Visual and Statistical Thinking: Displays of Evidence for Decision Making

A wonderful (if short) analysis of the overwhelming social value of good data presentation, thanks no less of a deserving aspect of statistical history than the birth of epidemiology, followed by a damning and striking indictment of the bureaucratic excesses of those who should absolutely know better. Elevating and infuriating in quick succession, this almost incidental treatise sharply highlights the ethical imperatives behind excellent presentation of information. ( )

"This inexpensive booklet reprints, in full color, chapter 2 of Visual Explanations , analyzing a cholera epidemic in London in 1854 and the evidence used to decide to launch the space shuttle Challenger. Topics include cause and effect, data errors and credibility, evidence selection, and statistical graphics. For teaching data analysis and evidence in decision-making."