Dickens's novel was adapted for the stage before it was even finished

Three stage adaptations of the novel The Pickwick Papers appeared in London while the work was still being written. Charles Dickens protested against this plagiarism, but one of the authors, William T. Moncrieff, chose to defend himself by praising the novelist's talent. Only this third play achieved success, driven in particular by the character of Sam Weller played by W. J. Hammond.