Although Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, did not write a tragedy, he lived one. Born with little wealth but with great gifts and opportunities, he lost all when his faults conspired with his fortunes and his enemies. Before his abortive rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, his followers arranged for William Shakespeare's company to inspire them with a performance of Richard II; later writers perceived the tragic potential of Essex's own story and told it in fiction, in drama, and in opera. During his life Essex cast himself in several roles, one being a poet; but, like the roles, his writing always had a practical intent. The dozen or so poems attributed to him were occasional and written for a small courtly coterie. His other writings include propaganda, strategy papers, and letters, including many to the queen. Essex not only wrote himself but was also the cause of writing...