The Australasian Critic was published for twelve issues from October 1890 to September 1891. It came into being on the basis that Australia lacked a review journal and with the intention that it would 'not resemble any publication which has hitherto originated in Australasia'. Its purpose was 'to give reviews and criticisms of works of literature, science and art and of dramatic and musical productions, a record of what is being done in the world of pure and applied science, and news, notes, and articles concerning matters of literary, scientific and artistic interest.' (1 October 1890, p.xiv)
Regular contributors to the literary pages of the journal included Professor E. E. Morris and John Steele Robertson (qq.v.); occasional contributors included Mary Gaunt and Alfred Deakin (qq.v.).
In the Critic's final issue, the following notice appeared: 'The Editors of the Australasian Critic regret to announce that, as the paper has not been sufficiently supported to make its longer life possible, the present will be the last number. They take this opportunity to thank those who have supported it.' (1 September 1891, p.284)
