"Plunging into the complexities of Elizabethan history, Hess raises a host of provocative questions about Shakespeare's identity and the controversial character of the 17th earl of Oxford, the leading candidate for authorship honors. Wide reading informs his answers, and he doesn't shy from proposing linkages, motivations and ingenius theories to make sense of the historical records and answer the many questions about Oxford's life. His work on Don Juan of Austria may well prove to have opened a new perspective on that military leader's connection to Shakespeare." -- Richard F. Whalen, author, Shakespeare: Who Was He? "The Dark Side of Shakespeare is an original and stimulating book that takes the authorship debate in unexpected new directions. Even those who reject its conclusions will find plenty to think about." -- Joseph Sobran, author, Alias Shakespeare "The 'dark side' of the title refers to what Hess finds to be Oxford-Shakespeare's somewhat 'schizoid' persona: outwardly foppish, Italianate in artistic tastes, manners and dress, but also a gallant jouster, graceful dancer, musician, gifted poet, and playwright, and beloved patron of poets, actors, and writers of learned treatises and entertainments alike. Hess shows, however, that behind the scenes Oxford's activities as spy, intriguer, betrayer, smuggler, and gun-runner (possibly even assassin), can be documented.... Hess delves into the mirky waters of how Oxford applied these Machiavellian activities both at home and abroad... In truth, as sort of a 'Scarlet Pimpernel, '... These facts support Hess' hypothesis of Oxford's role as 'King-maker' in English and European politics (not just from his own power, but as a mover within a plausible alliance)!... the Earl of Oxford was an internationalist in his politics, playing on a field that crossed continental boundaries, 'dancing with Don Juan, ' consorting with foreign monarchs, queens, and mistresses.... So, Oxf