The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd Ed.

I bought this book as it was recommended reading by an excel MVP (I'm on a bit of an excel learning binge) in addition to a few others by Stephen Few. Though the cover of this book was the most "bland" of them all I ended up reading the intro and the first chapter and becoming very interested in the ideas on the visual presentation of (quantitative) data, particularly the graphic showing the number of troops that Napoleon started and ended with on his campaign into Russia (I wasn't even sure of what multi-variate data was but I soon gained an appreciation for its proper presentation).As each chapter went on I became even more interested in the material that was presented as it seemed very logical and intuitive. I especially enjoyed Professor Tufte's guidelines on maximizing the "data-ink" and minimizing "non data-ink", and was amazed at how he applied these guidelines to graphs I have been using and teaching for many years, making them seem simpler and not as cluttered even if he suggested the "unthinkable" by leaving out gridlines or piece of the axes.I must admit that I am a bit skeptical about leaving out grid-lines when I produce graphs in excel but I appreciate that making them lighter really helps to de-clutter a graph. But I was totally blown away by how he simplified box and whisker diagrams into quartile plots and how he even removed portions of the vertical and horizontal axis making the graphs easier to read and somewhat more informative.I'd love to teach these principle to my students (I'm a private tutor) but I know that their in-school teachers would not allow their use as the syllabuses are somewhat antiquated (as are some of the teachers, their beliefs, and methods). They'd probably lose their minds about what Professor Tufte says about pie charts :-D, which, by the way is not to use them as there are better ways to present data. "The only thing worse than one pie chart is more pie charts".All in all, as someone who's not from a design or art background and with a bit of a background in maths I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its principles, insights, and suggestions, and though it may not be everyone's cup of tea I would readily suggest it to anyone who has more than a passing interest in graphics especially if they're presenting quantitative data. The principles are logical and intuitive, and I really do think that the presentation of graphics should (like anything) be taught well (eschew the decorations/ducks!)This book is invaluable and has awakened my thirst for more knowledge.I'm looking forward to reading more!

Years ago, I purchased the first edition of VISUAL DISPLAY OF QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION. The second edition provides high-resolution color reproductions of the several graphics found in the first edition. In addition, corrections were made. However, to most readers/users, I doubt that the changes would be worthy of purchasing the second edition if one already owns the first edition.Edward R. Tufte is a noteworthy scholar and the presentation of the material presented in this book is awe-inspiring. Tufte has also compiled two other books that can be best described as quite remarkable. These additional books are entitled, ENVISIONING INFORMATION and VISUAL EXPLANATIONS. All three of these volumes are not merely supplemental textbooks; they are works of art.My intent was to use VISUAL DISPLAY OF QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION as part of teaching my statistics course. Students, but mostly faculty, are overly impressed with inferential statistics. Graphics play an important role in the understanding and interpretation of statistical findings. Tufte makes this point unambiguously clear in his books.Two features of VISUAL DISPLAY OF QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION are particularly salient in teaching a statistics course. First, the concept of normal distribution is wonderfully illustrated on page 140. Here the reader is reinforced with the notion that in the normal course of human events, cultural/social/behavioral/ psychological phenomena usually fall into the shape of a normal distribution. The constant appearance of this distribution borders on miraculous. Just as importantly, it is the basis for accurate predications in all areas of science. Tufte's illustration (page 140) speaks to this issue much more clearly than a one-hour lecture on the importance of the normal distribution. Which goes to show -- once again -- "a picture is worth a thousand words." Sadly, the illustration on page 140 is small and in black and white. I wish the second edition included a larger reproduction of this photo. A color presentation would have been helpful.Second, Tufte continues his unrelenting pattern to reinforce the importance and impact of illustrations in understanding complex concepts. In particular, page 176 demonstrates the impact of Napoleon's march to Moscow. The illustration is both profound and eerie. The reader is left with a feeling of death and pain for the foot soldiers...

I'll quote the Boston Globe: "A visual Strunk & White."It is a great book. I wish more people would read it. The people I work with prefer a garish, maximum ink approach.

Tufte's volumes is an iconic volume for graphic design that unites legibility with efficiency and beauty in a cogent and stimulating manner. While it's reputation and overwhelming authority may hurt it a bit, it is actually a worth read with a well develop and constructed analysis - with a breakdown of some "best and worst" practices" - and an intriguing attempt to develop a theory for data graphics, which for the most part is worth carrying around and promoting.Among some of the most obvious defects is a repetition of some trends and examples, a patronizing sense that permeated the narrative here and there, and with that, touches that may seem that the critique is trying to be too final, and offers little room for debate. But all in all these touches are minor and the volume withstands as a pivotal critical point to develop legible and useful graphic information. Something that I would recommend to anyone involved with, or interested in these aspects.

Book arrived on time and in the condition promised! I'm happy!

A painstaking examination of visual thought, taking no data at its face value.

Llegó muy bien y en poco tiempo

Quick and correct. Happy with the book.

O livro é uma referência para quem trabalha com análise e apresentação visual de grandes volumes de dados. Como apresentar em forma honesta e atrativa resumo de dados.

I was impressed by the delivery time and communications by the seller, but the (soft-back) book had come apart from the book's spine.I was left quite disappointed when I opened the package as the spine of the book had come off. This is a purchase for work-related projects and I was really looking forward to it. I would recommend others to get the hardback copy instead to avoid such issues, but limited funds didn't allow me to purchase or repurchase.The 1 star is for the faulty item, but I would give 5 stars for delivery & seller communication.