Rating  - Another wonderful book by the hand of Mr. Tufte
In the first book in this series "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" we were introduced to some pretty clever ideas for presenting numbers using different types of graphs. This time, Mr. Tufte takes us on a journey through time and information space: Using carefully selected examples on graphic communication from all parts of the world, the reader is introduced to essential concepts as: Layering techniques; The use of colour to convey information; Multidimensionality in two dimensions; etc. It is amazing that just about 100 pages is all it takes to deliver a clear and strong message. But, as usual, Mr. Tufte do not waste his words on chit chat, but instead chooses his words carefully with loads of understated humour. Thereby the words themselves are a manifest of the message in this book and at the same time they become the invisible glue that connects the superbly chosen and superbly rendered illustrations which set the standard for the rest of us.
If you can afford only one of the three books by Edward Tufte, then chose this one. The other books in the trilogy, being masterpieces themselves, could be considered being complementary reading.
Rating - Essential
If you communicate through visualization, this book is essential. Well-written, beautifully designed, lavishly illustrated, copiously exampled -- it's all here. I've been developing visual communications for nearly 25 years, and this book caused me to completely rethink how I do it.
Rating - A Tour De Fource of Information Design
To me, this is Tufte's best book, although they are all really good. Although its visually gorgeous, its not a coffee table book to just flip through. You have to be willing to spend time with it, and if you do the rewards are tremendous.
Tufte presents a collection of some the best examples of information design ever invented, and some of the worst examples. And then he goes into the underlying principles that make the great ones sing out.
This book will be really helpful to any web page designer, UI designers, statisticians, cartographers, scientists, or anyone concerned with presenting dense information in a clear way.
There is a chapter on presenting multiple dimensional data on a flat, 2D paper that all by itself is worth the price of the book. Then there's the chapter on "Small Multiples" which presents wonderful examples of how to show patterns and changes. But then there's the chapter on layering of information, so the key pieces of data appear first, and the less relevant ones reveal themselves later. And on and on and on. Its just a great book.
To add to it, Tufte is obsessed with quality like nobody else I can think of in the book business. Its printed on 100% rag paper using real lead type because he thinks that all other methods are inferior. Which means the book is costly to make, but its of heirloom quality.
Rating - A treat for the eyes and mind!
Tufte's book was recommended to me recently because I create and design maps for my travel guide, "PassPorter Walt Disney World." What a delight it was to find a book that *explains* why it is important to present information clearly, succinctly, and responsibly. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and could only have hoped for more information and examples on maps. You can bet the next edition of my travel guide will have enhanced maps based on Tufte's principles. "Envisioning Information" will have a proud place on my bookshelf for many years to come.
Jennifer Watson, Co-Author of PassPorter Walt Disney World: The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake!
Rating - Very worthwhile and readible book for peaceful times
This is now the third and last of Tuftes trilogy of design books I read and I still love to read them. I love the enspirement. It needs a peaceful pace and as the author states "it pays you back". I learned a lot, I will read it again in a couple of years, and I Want another one of his books.
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