Based on one of Charles Dickens least known Christmas annuals, the play The Battle of Life, was originally produced at the Surry Theatre, London, shortly after the novella's publication. As was usual at the time with Dickens' adaptations, the play was rushed into production to capitalize on the popularity of the novella. Competing with an authorized version of the novella playing in London at the same time, Stirling chose to focus much of his play on the powerful story of the sisters' love and devotion.
Edward Stirling was a prolific playwright in the mid-19th century having written or adapted over 200 plays including many from Dickens. He was one of the few playwrights at the time to have his plays produced in nearly every theatre in London. He was hailed as "a writer of considerable attainments," "clever and well-educated." When he wasn't writing, he was stage manager/director of the Adelphi, and later for many years at the Drury Lane where he had some of his biggest successes.