This book is designed for anyone who needs to present quantitative information visually, including statisticians, scientists, journalists, designers, and business professionals. It's particularly valuable for those who regularly work with data visualization and need to communicate complex information effectively.

Unlike typical how-to manuals, this book combines historical analysis, statistical theory, and design principles to create a comprehensive philosophy of data visualization. It's distinguished by its scholarly approach and its emphasis on fundamental principles rather than specific tools or software.

Despite being originally published before the widespread use of digital visualization tools, the principles and concepts presented in this book remain highly relevant. The fundamental theories about visual perception, data integrity, and effective communication transcend specific technologies and continue to influence modern data visualization practices.