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 19cms x 19.5cms & is lightly hinged to acid free white backing. It’s in great condition.

The satirical caricature is entitled “A Glimpse of Paradise” & depicts a British sailor embracing a Pacific Islander with a bottle of alcohol in one hand, the Sun in the background possibly symbolises the rise of The British Empire.