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 28.5cms x 21cms & is lightly hinged to acid free white backing. It’s in great condition.

The satirical caricature is entitled “The Widow’s Mite”. It was directed at Queen Victoria in her Golden Jubilee year 1887. She donated 500 pounds to aid the relief of the unemployed, yet her net worth was estimated at Five Million Sterling.