Watson mixed with the highest in the land, including the Earl of Oxford's literary clique and the rival house of Philip and Mary Sidney. He was a close friend of the atheist Christopher Marlowe, and colleague of the Roman Catholic composer William Byrd. Yet, Watson also mingled with the basest in society. He was a government agent, an acquaintance of the spy master "Mr Secretary" Walsingham and a loved companion of his nephew. Scrapes and scandals dogged his life and even his death in 1592 aged 37 is blemished by a question mark.

History has neglected Tom Watson. By examining his works and the culture in which he mixed, Ian Johnson attempts to get a measure of the man.