The Literary News, 1882-1883

Abstract

In the last two decades of the nineteenth century there is growing evidence of attempts to encourage the spread of literary culture and Australian writing through newspapers and periodicals. Many of these attempts, though short-lived, were ambitious, and their failures as much as their hopes reflect the struggles of writers and editors to attract, develop and educate a receptive readership. One such paper was The Literary News, a Melbourne-based weekly published from June 15, 1882 toJuly 19, 1883. It claimed to be the 'only newspaper published simultaneously in the capitals of each of the four leading Australian colonies' by which is meant Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. Its ambition to cater for a national readership is given concrete expression in the first issue, which announces current theatrical productions in the four capital cities.