"Billy": Cartoon History By David Low (1918) By The Bulletin
 
The cartoons lampoons William ‘Billy’ Morris Hughes (1862–1952), Australia's Prime Minister for most of World War I, suggesting through the caption and his dramatic pose that he seeks out the limelight. The cartoon mocks Hughes's oratory skill that contributed to his success as a former trade union leader and barrister. His widely reported speeches during his 1916 visit to England and France had gained him a reputation for being a flamboyant orator.
 
The use of caricature as a tool of political satire is clearly demonstrated, ridiculing Hughes's irascible and dominant personality. Low has exaggerated Hughes's slight build and lampoons him by making his trousers too short and exaggerating his feet and large nose. The top hat and moustache make Hughes instantly identifiable. Low’s drawing style used a full-flowing brush over a lightly pencilled framework, and he was an early pioneer of this technique in Australia.
 
Low made his name as a cartoonist by drawing cartoons of Australian Prime Minister Hughes, first creating a stir with his cartoon 'The Imperial Conference', published in the Bulletin in 1916, which depicted Hughes in full cry in international political circles. After this success, Low concentrated on cartoons depicting Hughes's colourful and forceful personality. Hughes was not impressed and apparently called Low a 'bastard' to his face in Melbourne
 
Hughes gained international recognition for Australia through his active role in the Armistice negotiations signed on 11 November 1918. Hughes insisted Australia had the right to a voice on the world stage, earned through its great sacrifice and loss of life in the war. Hughes argued to protect Australian territorial interests and was influential in the negotiations with Germany for wartime reparations.
 
Sir David Low (1891–1963) was a foremost cartoonist who achieved an international reputation over his 30-year career. Born in New Zealand, Low began drawing and selling his cartoons from a young age. He worked for the Canterbury Times in New Zealand, then in 1911 at the Bulletin, based in Melbourne. He was knighted in 1962. His body of work includes drawings for over 40 newspapers and magazines worldwide, and 30 books of cartoons.
 
Soft Cover
8 pages 
In Poor to  Fair condition