William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882), a rival and a friend of Charles Dickens, was an English historical novelist born in Manchester. While completing his legal studies in London he became familiar with literary and dramatic circles of London scene. Ainsworth briefly tried the publishing business, but soon gave it up and devoted himself to journalism and literature. His first success as a writer came with novel Rookwood. Ainsworth wrote several Lancashire novels which cover altogether 400 years. Jack Sheppard, Guy Fawkes, Old St Paul's, Rookwood, and The Lancashire Witches are regarded as his most successful novels.