When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
By Edward R. Tufte
Graphics Press, Cheshire, Connecticut
Ninth Printing, August 2003
Hardcover with Dust Jacket
ISBN 0-9613921-1-8
A beautifully produced and highly influential volume by Edward R. Tufte, one of the most important modern thinkers on information design, data visualization, visual communication, and the presentation of complex ideas.
Envisioning Information is much more than a traditional design book. Tufte examines how complex, multidimensional information can be communicated clearly and elegantly on a flat page, using examples drawn from maps, diagrams, statistical displays, manuscripts, scientific illustrations, art, architecture, historical documents, timetables, court exhibits, and other forms of visual evidence.
This copy is especially appealing to collectors because it is signed/initialed by Edward R. Tufte on the title page, with the handwritten “E.T.” visible above the title. Please see the photographs for the exact appearance of the signature. No separate certificate of authenticity is included.
A Landmark Work in Information Design
The book explores major principles of visual communication through six richly illustrated sections:
- Escaping Flatland
- Micro/Macro Readings
- Layering and Separation
- Small Multiples
- Color and Information
- Narratives of Space and Time
Tufte demonstrates how sophisticated visual information can remain both dense and readable, showing how thoughtful organization, color, layering, repetition, scale, typography, and spatial relationships can help viewers understand complex ideas more quickly and accurately.
The book is extensively illustrated in both color and black and white and includes examples ranging from historic maps and scientific diagrams to courtroom graphics, architectural representations, statistical displays, Japanese visual traditions, cartography, and comparative image sequences.
Notable Details
This is the Ninth Printing, August 2003, published by Graphics Press. The book was originally copyrighted in 1990.
The edition was designed and published by Edward Tufte and features high-quality printing, carefully selected paper, and a refined large-format layout that has made Tufte’s books particularly desirable among designers, architects, analysts, statisticians, educators, researchers, and collectors of graphic design literature. WorldCat identifies this specific 2003 issue as the ninth printing.
Collector Appeal
This volume is an excellent addition to collections focused on:
- Edward R. Tufte
- Information design
- Data visualization
- Graphic design
- Typography
- Statistical graphics
- Cartography
- Visual communication
- Architecture and design theory
- Academic and professional design books
Signed Tufte material is considerably more collectible than ordinary unsigned copies. Signed first and early printings can command substantial asking prices, although later signed or initialed printings vary widely depending on condition and presentation.
Book Details
- Title: Envisioning Information
- Author: Edward R. Tufte
- Publisher: Graphics Press LLC
- Location: Cheshire, Connecticut
- Copyright: 1990
- Printing: Ninth Printing, August 2003
- Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
- ISBN: 0-9613921-1-8
- Pages: 126
- Approximate dimensions: 11\" x 9\" x 0.63\"
- Weight: approximately 1 lb 15.5 oz
- Language: English
- Illustrated throughout
- Signed/initialed on title page
Condition
Very good vintage/pre-owned condition overall.
The hardcover boards appear clean and structurally sound, with only light shelf wear. The dust jacket remains attractive and substantially intact, with some light handling wear, minor edge wear, faint surface marks, and small areas of rubbing consistent with age and previous ownership.
Interior pages appear clean, crisp, and well preserved, with strong color reproduction and sharp printing. Binding appears firm.
The title page contains the handwritten “E.T.” signature/initials attributed to Edward R. Tufte, along with decorative pen marks around the printed author name. No third-party authentication or certificate accompanies the book, so buyers should review the provided close-up photographs carefully.
Overall, this is an attractive signed example of one of Tufte’s most influential books and a strong collectible copy for anyone interested in design, visual thinking, or data presentation.
Note: Colors may vary slightly due to lighting and screen settings. Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
Shipping & Returns:
• Ships from Brooklyn, NY via USPS Media Mail (trackable).
• Protective packaging to ensure safe delivery.
• 14-day returns accepted. Buyer pays return shipping for change-of-mind returns. Items must be returned in original condition with all parts and packaging. Refunds issued after inspection. Deductions may apply per policy.
