In 'Rookwood,' William Harrison Ainsworth weaves a rich tapestry of historical fiction that intertwines romance, adventure, and the eerie elements of the Gothic tradition. Set against the backdrop of the 18th century, the novel delves into the life of a notorious highwayman and the curse of Rookwood—which looms over a decaying estate steeped in dark legacy. Ainsworth employs a vivid, descriptive n...