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 31cms x 21cms & is lightly hinged to acid free white backing. It’s in great condition.

The satirical caricature is entitled “The Modern South Sea Pirate” & has been described as showing "a black-clad mis- sionary hoisting his skull-and-crossbones flag amid a group of cringing natives and rejoicing missioners in front of the New Hebrides Mission which is hung with posters advertising Coconut Oil and Religion and Greed and Gospel." Later Bulletin cartoons elaborated the same theme.