Plain Language From Truthful James
1870. Set of nine lithographs on loose sheets, each numbered in sequence from 1 to 9, title above poem stanza in plate 1, signed in image lower left and publisher’s line below image, 18.4 x 13.6cm (paper). Slight foxing and stains. The publisher’s line reads “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1870 by the Western News Co. in the Office of the Librarian of Congress.” The images illustrate a satirical poem also known as “The Heathen Chinee” written in 1870 by Bret Harte (Amer., 1836–1902). It illustrates anti-Chinese sentiment through an account of a card game. Despite a Western goldminer cheating by keeping aces up his sleeves, the Chinese persona (who also had cards hidden in his sleeves) won the card game. The poem makes reference to being “ruined by Chinese cheap labour.” Ref: University of Virginia. A similar attitude was prevalent in Australia during the latter half of the 19th century.
Item #CL206-12
Price (AUD): $1,950.00 other currencies