The History of The Old Curiosity Shop

The novel was first published in 1840 in the weekly periodical Master Humphrey's Clock and was the only novel Dickens began publishing before he finished writing it. Originally planned as a short story, the growing success of the serial caused Dickens to extend the story into novel form. Despite this success, the writing of the novel, particularly the final installment, proved taxing for Dickens, who felt a special attachment to Nell, who was based on his sister-in-law.