William Harrison Ainsworth was born on February 4, 1805, in Manchester, England to Thomas Ainsworth and Ann Harrison. William began studying law but left the field for literature. His first novel was published anonymously in 1826. William married Anne Frances Ebers on October 11, 1826, in St. Marylebone, England. Together they had three children. His first successful publication, Rookwood, was published in 1834. After Anne passed away in 1838, he married Sarah Wells in 1866, in Braintree, England. His career extended to 1881 with him publishing about 40 novels. In addition to writing, he also worked as an editor for about fifteen years, although he was unsuccessful. William died on January 3, 1882, in Reigate, England.

Charles Dickens was born in 1812 in Portsmouth, England. At a young age he left school and worked in a factory due to his father's placement in debtors' prison. He became a well-known author who gained immense popularity in his lifetime. He wrote fifteen novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and articles, as well as lecturing extensively. Dickens also edited a literary journal for twenty years. In April 1836, Dickens married Catherine Thomson Hogarth and together they had ten children. Dickens also helped found and manage a home for fallen women in the working class for ten years. Dickens died in June of 1870.