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As was the case with most Victorian novels, Dickens first published his works in parts, serially, either weekly or monthly. These issues were cheaply produced, carried numerous publisher's advertisements, and sold for one shilling or so (the cost then of a pack of throat lozenges) in book shops, railway bookstalls, and other venues easily accessible to the burgeoning reading public. Once all of the issues were acquired, the reader might have the whole work bound together for his or her own library. Subsequently, the publisher also issued these novels as complete works, often in multiple volumes as 'three deckers' or 'triple deckers.' Although most writers of the period completed their works before submitting them for serialization, Dickens wrote throughout the publication process, and critics have consequently argued that his writing reflects the audience reactions that developed during the authorial process.

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