In his capacity as a cartoonist for the Bulletin Newspaper in Sydney from 1886 to 1888, Phil May satirized all aspects of Australian & Commonwealth issues, commenting on current conditions in the Commonwealth, Australian Federation, Pacific Islands politics, Chinese labor, the New Hebrides question, Caricatures of famous political figures and Aborigines. He was outspoken about the way Aboriginal & Islander people were treated by Governments & Religious groups. The book was limited to 975 copies. This satirical line block print is from the 1904 1st edition book “Phil May in Australia” by The Bulletin Newspaper Company Limited, Sydney MCMIV. The page measures 33cms x 21cms & is lightly hinged to acid free white backing. It’s in great condition.

The satirical caricature is entitled “The Virtue of Hair - Once More". The top depicts Henry Parkes “The Hairy Bismarck” and “The Hairy British Lion”, bottom “The Barbered Lion” and “The Barbered Bismarck”. Samson like caricatures, you cut of their hair & they look forlorn & weak !!