The visual display of quantitative information

✍ Scribed by Tufte, Edward R

Publisher: Graphics Press
Year: 2001
Tongue: English
Leaves: 191
Edition: 2
Category: Library

No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.

✦ Synopsis

This book deals with the theory and practice in the design of data graphics and makes the point that the most effective way to describe, explore, and summarize a set of numbers is to look at pictures of those numbers, through the use of statistical graphics, charts, and tables. It includes 250 illustrations of the best (and a few of the worst) statistical graphics, with detailed analysis of how to display data for Read more...

Abstract: This book deals with the theory and practice in the design of data graphics and makes the point that the most effective way to describe, explore, and summarize a set of numbers is to look at pictures of those numbers, through the use of statistical graphics, charts, and tables. It includes 250 illustrations of the best (and a few of the worst) statistical graphics, with detailed analysis of how to display data for precise, effective, quick analysis. Also offered is information on the design of the high-resolution displays, small multiples, editing and improving graphics, and the data-ink ratio. Time-series, relational graphics, data maps, multivariate designs, as well as detection of graphical deception: design variation vs. data variation, and sources of deception are discussed. Information on aesthetics and data graphical displays is included. The 2nd edition provides high-resolution color reproductions of the many graphics of William Playfair (1750-1800), adds color to other images where appropriate, and includes all the changes and corrections during the 17 printings of the 1st edition

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction to the Second Edition
Introduction
PART Ⅰ Graphical Practice
Graphical Excellence
Data Maps
Time-Series
Narrative Graphics of Space and Time
More Abstract Designs: Relational Graphics
Principles of Graphical Excellence
Graphical Integrity
What is Distortion in a Data Graphic
Design and Data Variation
The Case of Skyrocketing Government Spending
Visual Area and Numerical Measure
Context is Essential for Graphical Integrity
Conclusion
Sources of Graphical Integrity and Sophistication
Lack of Quantitative Skills of Professional Artists
The Doctrine That Statistical Data Are Boring
The Doctrine That Graphics Are Only for the Unsophisticated Reader
The Consequences
Conclusion
PART Ⅱ Theory of Data Graphics
Data-Ink and Graphical Redesign
Data-Ink
Two Erasing Principles
Application of the Principles in Editing and Redesign
Conclusion
Chartjunk: Vibrations, Grids, and Ducks
Unintentional Optical Art
The Grid
Self-Promoting Graphics: The Duck
Conclusion
Data-Ink Maximization and Graphical Design
Redesign of the Box Plot
Redesign of the Bar Chart/Histogram
Redesign of the Scatterplot
Conclusion
Multifunctioning Graphical Elements
Data-Built Data Measure
Data-Based Grids
Double-Functioning Labels
Puzzles and Hierarchy in Graphics
Data Density and Small Multiples
Data Density in Graphical Practice
Data Density and the Size of the Data Matrix: Publication Practices
High-Information Graphics
Small Multiples
Conclusion
Aesthetics and Technique in Data Graphical Design
The Choice of Design: Sentences, Text-Tables, Tables, Semi-Graphics, and Graphics
Making Complexity Accessible: Combining Words, Numbers, and Pictures
Accessible Complexity: The Friendly Data Graphic
Proportion and Scale: Line Weight and Lettering
Proportion and Scale: The Shape of Graphics
Epilogue: Designs for the Display of Information
Index
Acknowledgements, Second Edition
Acknowledgements