The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte

In terms of conveying how to convey information (not just data) visually, Tufte is the undoubted master. 

This book is full of pithy examples, with clear insights about what works, what doesn’t, and why. I came across it when I was trying to understand why I was disgruntled with so many graphical representations – and Tufte provided useful clarity about my niggles.

(N.B. I had to pick just one of his titles for this list – but I’d recommend his other books as well.)

It’s one thing to do science. It’s another thing entirely to communicate science. But scientific communication is much more than just about words. Science is also a visual pursuit, and this indispensable and elegantly constructed book tells you how to be an effective visual communicator of information. But also, the principles that Tufte explains and explores are valuable to anyone who must present information in visual form to others. This is a classic book that you will take down from your shelf and read—and admire—over and over again.

Tufte, a former Yale and Princeton professor, made his reputation by challenging assumptions about how to present information graphically. The result is a series of gorgeous—I don’t use that term lightly—books that look at the hard evidence. This is his first. From the concept of density of information to his popularization of sparklines, from his insistence on graphical integrity to his devastating critique of PowerPoints and how they contribute to the downfall of civilization, Tufte has been the country’s leading voice for evidence-based design. It all began with this 190-page book that will never go out of print.