Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to Enlighten Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 June 2012

I must have a dozen books on data visualisation. I use the skill all the time for my work in financial analysis and management. I train junior team members (accountants and analysts) in data viz and make them buy this book. This is my top pick out of everything I've read on the topic. It takes the classical authors in the subject (e.g. Tufte) and builds on their insights. It covers everything you need to know from the basics of the art/ craft to the more outlandish and creative elements. It is amazingly non-boring. Just get it!

Great purchase. If you are starting to get involved with data visualisation and you have no previous or reduced knowlage on data visualisation, this book is for you. It starts from something as basic as describing the type of data you can have till which graphs or tables could be better to communicate these data. However, no matter even if you have an advanced knowlage in data visualisation, this book will help you to understand things you usually do and even you can get a few tips more.The book is so easy to read. Even the stadistical explanations he provides are simple but accurate, providing the relevant knowledge you require. Also, it is really fun and interesting to read. It could look like a really technical book, but definitely it could be something you can sit in your garden, read and chill.If you think that you would require a mot advanced book but that approach the same knowlage, his book Now You See It is for you.Warning: this book is practical form the point of view that you learn to identify the best graphs for specific data, when you should use them, then using a table is preferable, how to use the colours in a graph etc. You develop a critical knowledge to identify if a graph is good or not and how could be improved. However, if you are expecting that he explains you how to do these graphs in excel or in other program, this is not the book you are looking for. Yet, it gives you a recommended reading appendix when you can find what you are looking for depending of your interests.

I have never read a book of this size in one sitting. Frankly, I started a bit slow but then found myself not being able to put the book down. Four hours later! I have read the entire book.This is great. The language is simple, clear and crisp. The explanations make total sense. To make a subject such as tables and graphs interesting is difficult at the best of times but Mr Few has done it. I have learnt a hell of a lot such as geospatial considerations, box plots (never heard of them before), perception of visual display etc etc etc.Normally, I consider a book great if I learn just one thing from it but I have learnt such a lot from this book. To supplement this, I suggest that one also reads 'How to make an impact' by Jon Moon.

This book gives you the basics and advanced ways of creating compelling reports and insightful visuals

Informative book on data presentation; written with clarity.If you have to communicate data through reports or presentations this book is worth reading.