W. H. AINSWORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 299, 18 December 1935, Page 26

W. H. AINSWORTH.

Stories that are written with spirit and a dramatic sense that appeals more especially to boys are always popular, and when they add an historical background that is coloured with true facts, they are sure to appeal at once to the imagination of both boys and girls alike. Such stories are Ainsworth's, the popular writer of last century, whose very readable historical novels are still enjoying a wide sale. t William Harrison Ainsworth was born in Manchester early in 1805 and educated at the local grammar school. He was the son of a solicitor, and in his turn became a solicitor, going to London, iu,

1824 to further his studies. Two years later, however, he married a publisher's daughter and himself turned publisher for 18 months. Prior to 1822 he had contributed some articles to magazines. His first widely read novel was "Rookwood," which contains a vivid description of Dick Turpin's rido to York. Bv ISBI, a period of close upon half a century, he had published no fewer than 39 novels, several of which were illustrated by the famous artist Cruiksliank. The historical foundation/ of Ainsworth's novels is less firm than that of a man such as Lord Lytton, author of "The Last Days of Pompeii," and their literary colouring tends, perhaps, to gaudiness. But he was an energetic man who led a busy life in London, and who wrote Lancashire stories with a more human touch than these more widely read romances have. Pie died in his seventy-first year, leaving "Old St. Pauls," "The Admirable Criehton," "Windsor Castle," and "Lancashire Witches," as good tales with an intrinsic literary merit, while "Jack j Sheppard," and "The Tower of London" | stand high above his other novels of less j note. J