Using new evidence from spies' reports, local archives and even a coded prison diary, Michael Wood uncovers the dark side of Shakespeare's world, tracing William's early days, his schooling, his father's shady business deals and the dark secret that ruined the family. Finally, Wood untangles the riddle of William's shotgun marriage, which left him a teenage father with decidedly slim career prospects

Rated TVPG

Mode of access: World Wide Web

Episode 1

A Time of Revolution

Episode 2

The Lost Years

Episode 3

The Duty of Poets

Episode 4

For All Time