[pasquinelli]

It was typical for novels I'm the 19th century to be published first in papers, serialized into many installments over a period of time, giving readers an opportunity to talk about it, like episodes of a TV show, and perhaps steer the direction of the story.

[soneca]

Yes. As everything big in culture at the time, it started in France: http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/roman-feuilleton

But it happened in the USA also, as serial novels: http://www.gutenberg.us/articles/Serial_novel

[saalweachter]

20th century too. The Foundation series was originally a serial.