William Harrison Ainsworth was a 19th century English historian and author. Ainsworth studied law and worked briefly in publishing but eventually worked in journalism and literature. His first success as a writer came with Rookwood in 1834, which featured Dick Turpin as its leading character. Ainsworth wrote 39 more novels, the last appearing in 1881. Rookwood: is a romantic drama in two acts. Luke Bradley was raised with gypsies and then finds out he is actually the eldest son of the deceased Sir Rookwood. He is heir to all of his father's estates. He is on his way to meet the gypsy girl he loves when his grandfather, who is in disguise, tries to convince him to leave his love and a proper lady.