num_pages: 462
description: In the age of big data and digital distribution when news travels ever further and faster and media outlets compete for a fleeting slice of online attention information graphics have swept center stage. At once nuanced and neat data graphics can distill abstract ideas complex statistics and cutting-edge discoveries into succinct compelling and masterful designs. Cartographers programmers statisticians designers scientists and journalists have developed a new field of expertise in visualizing knowledge.This far-reaching compendium discovers the rich history of the infographic form tracing its evolution from the Middle Ages right through to the digital era. Curated by Sandra Rendgen the author behind TASCHEN's best-selling Information Graphics and Understanding the World the book offers a stunning and systematic overview of graphic communication gathering some 400 examples across astronomy cartography zoology technology and beyond.The collection is expansive in culture and geography incorporating medieval manuscripts and parchment rolls elaborate maps splendid popular atlasses and early computer-based information design. Highlights include Martin Waldseemller's famous world map Andreas Cellarius's cosmic charts and the meticulous nature studies of Ernst Haeckel alongside many unknown treasures. The author's introductory essay and precise captions detail each work's historical and cultural contexts; the selection is framed by four chapters showcasing the special historical collections of infographic specialists David Rumsey Michael Friendly Michael Stoll and Scott Klein.
language: English
title: History of Information Graphics
publisher: Taschen America Llc