Philip William May (22 April 1864 – 5 August 1903) was an English caricaturist who, with his vigorous economy of line, played an important role in moving away from Victorian styles of illustration towards the creation of the modern humorous cartoon.

Phil May was born at Wortley, near Leeds, the son of an engineer, who died when Phil was nine years old. His mother was the daughter of Eugene Macarthy, one time manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. She was left in very poor circumstances and the family had a great struggle to exist. Phil's grandfather, a country gentleman, had some talent as a draughtsman and liked making caricatures.

At the age of twelve, in Leeds, Phil became friendly with Fred Fox, wh...