Books › How to Lie with Statistics
How to Lie with Statistics
First published 1964 · 204 pages
A cheeky, pocket-sized survival guide for navigating a world obsessed with misleading data.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a wry, slightly cynical uncle who is determined to teach you how the world actually works. Despite its age, the experience is remarkably brisk and refreshing, stripping away the intimidating veneer of mathematics to reveal the very human trickery hiding behind charts and percentages. The prose is conversational and punchy, paired with charmingly retro illustrations that keep the mood playful rather than academic. You aren't bogged down in formulas; instead, you are taken on a breezy tour of logical fallacies and visual deceptions. It delights the curious skeptic, leaving you with a permanent, amused squint whenever you encounter a news headline claiming that a new study shows a shocking trend.
- Mood
- skeptical
- playful
- eye-opening
- Tone
- wry
- cheeky
- conversational
- cynical
- instructive
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- the illusion of objectivity · media literacy · manipulation of truth · critical thinking
- The writing
- Crisp, accessible, and delightfully mid-century in its straightforward, no-nonsense wit.
- The arc
- Transitions the reader from a state of naive trust in data to one of empowered, amused skepticism.
- Who it's for
- Curious skeptics and everyday news consumers who want to stop being fooled by flashy charts and headlines.
About the book
Both charming and informative about how statistics are misused. Published long ago, but the tricks haven't changed.
Description from Open Library.
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