Harrison Ainsworth Rookwood and Jack Sheppard
In the early nineteenth century, an interest in criminals and the common highwayman
arose in Europe. Many magazines in London, such as Bentley’s Miscellany, Fraser’s
Magazine, and The Athenaeum featured sections that were reserved for stories about
highwayman and their numerous adventures. The growing interest in the subject inspired
many authors to write about the various exploits of popular criminals and highwayman.
Some prominent examples of this type of novel were Edward Bulwer’…
Is this Essay helpful? Join now to read this particular paper
and access over 480,000 just like this GET BETTER GRADES
and access over 480,000 just like this GET BETTER GRADES
…enthusiasm for these types of novels is a matter
for wonder. Ainsworth’s novels had, it is true, the elements to make a popular success: a
spotless hero and an underdog to sympathize with, both pitted against a fearful villain; a
glimpse of aristocracy, a suggestion of sex, hairbreadth adventures, and plenty of virtuous
emotions (Hollingsworth, 1963, p. 140). Rookwood and Jack Sheppard are prime
examples of the ‘criminal’ theme that was popular in the early nineteenth
Need a custom written paper? Let our professional writers save your time.