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The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

This is a surprisingly entertaining and informative book and should be of interest to all who employ the services of specialists for the presentation of graphics, as well as the producers of such visual aids. It makes a strong case for properly designed and interesting graphics of  a statistical nature,  where  content  and  integrity  rather  than artistic appeal should prevail. The initial chapter,  “Graphical  Excellence,”  establishes  basic ground rules which should be observed in the design and execution of statistical graphics,  to facilitate the  viewer’s  understanding  of complex data sets. The examples provided cover a broad spectrum of subject matter and treatment. Several of these were produced over a century  ago,  and are excellent  examples  in  terms of ease of comprehension of complex statistical data. For the reader not familiar with the history of this topic, the graphics provided include some of the work of C. J. Minard, France, published in the mid-1800’s. These  are quite  impressive,  treating  subjects  involving  rather complex statistics with a quality of design and clarity that is rarely found today. I believe the inclusion of additional good examples of a more contemporary nature might possibly improve the value of this chapter, if a subsequent edition is ever considered. Two chapters are dedicated to the subject of graphical inte,gity, and there are lessons here for everyone, including the viewerhser of data graphics. While, unfortunately, there will always be a market for “Lying Graphics,” the employment of visual and statistical tricks for intentional false impressions, the author’s position is that this practice is detrimental and has inhibited acceptance of data graphics for applications where their full value lies. Another, and more widespread fault, which the author singles out, is the practice of leaving the basic graphic design to those with artistic backgrounds whose priorities are biased in  favor  of  data beautification  rather  than statistical integrity. The remaining chapters deal with the theory, design, and execution of data graphics, and the treatment continues to be interesting, with both good and bad examples provided. Some of the specific issues addressed are the necessity for simplicity and clarity of presentation, the elimination of “chart junk,” maintaining the proper data-to-ink ratio, and the value of the tabular versus graphic presentations when limited data are to be shown. It appears that one of the author’s major goals is to increase the respectability of visual displays of statistical data, thereby broadening their acceptance and utilization for applications which are virtually unlimited. This book provides the rationale and the tools for the effective treatment and display of complex multivariate data, for those responsible for concepts as well as execution of statistical graphics. *