45 pages • 1 hour read •
How to Lie with Statistics
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Book Brief
142
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
•
Psychology•
Self-Improvement1950s
•
Politics & Government•
Truth & Lies•
Science & Nature•
Education1954
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
How to Lie with Statistics, a 1954 nonfiction book by journalist Darrell Huff, educates readers on recognizing deceptive statistics. With illustrations by Irving Geis, Huff combines humorous writing and fabricated or real examples to highlight errors and misuses in statistics that can mislead audiences. The book emphasizes the importance of skepticism towards statistical data, as it often includes biases, incomplete information, or exaggerated visual representations. This summary discusses suicide and systemic racism.
Informative
Humorous
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
20,986 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Darrell Huff's How to Lie with Statistics receives praise for its witty, accessible explanation of statistical manipulation, making complex ideas comprehensible for non-experts. Critics appreciate its humor and timeless relevance. However, some feel its outdated examples and simplistic approach may not suit advanced readers. It remains a valuable primer for awareness on statistical deceit.
Who Should Read How to Lie with Statistics?
Readers who enjoy Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner or Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman will appreciate Darrell Huff's How to Lie with Statistics. This book appeals to those interested in understanding how statistical data can be manipulated and misrepresented to influence public perception.
20,986 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Irving Geis
Irving Geis
The illustrator of the book, known for his scientific illustrations, who created the cartoons and charts within the text that help clarify its concepts.
Dr. Alfred Kinsey
Dr. Alfred Kinsey
Referenced in the book for his controversial research on human sexuality, which challenged societal norms and is used by Huff as an example in discussions on statistical data.
How to Lie with Statistics was first published in 1954 and became one of the most popular books for demystifying the manipulation of statistical data.
Despite its age, the book remains relevant and is often recommended in introductory statistics courses to highlight common pitfalls and misuse in data presentation.
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Darrell Huff, the author, had a background in both magazine editing and freelance writing, which contributed to his engaging and accessible style in How to Lie with Statistics.
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142
Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction
•
Psychology•
Self-Improvement1950s
•
Politics & Government•
Truth & Lies•
Science & Nature•
Education1954
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
13-18 years
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