I feel like it's pretty common in fiction these days, Game of Thrones being probably the most popular example with character viewpoint changing chapter-by-chapter and gradually weaving the different threads of plot into one connected whole. It's used in movies and television constantly, too.

The oldest I'm personally aware of is Dune, more-so in Dune Messiah, which I've read for the first time recently. I presume Herbert wasn't the first, though, and have been wondering how old the technique really is. Anyone have any insight (or even good guesses) on where it started?