New Books in Intellectual History Murray Dick, "The Infographic: A History of Data Graphics in News and Communications" (MIT Press, 2020)
Mar 7, 2024
Murray Dick, a Senior Lecturer in Multimedia Journalism at Newcastle University, delves into the captivating evolution of infographics. He explores their origins in 18th-century print culture, tracing how they've shaped journalism and cognition. The conversation highlights the tension between visuals and the written word, the role of infographics in social reform, and their rise in popularity during the 20th century. Dick also addresses the modern backlash against infographics and the delicate balance between spectacle and scientific accuracy in their application.
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Misleading Infographics Sparked The Project
- Murray Dick discovered many misleading Daily Express infographics in an archive, which sparked his research into infographic history.
- He wondered how four million daily readers interpreted or missed those flaws.
Three Schools Of Infographic History
- Histories of infographics split into three schools: developmental, psychological, and cultural.
- Dick's book situates infographics within popular print culture and audience reception.
Enlightenment Networks Fueled Early Graphics
- Early infographic development tied to Enlightenment encyclopedias and discussion societies like the Lunar Society.
- Joseph Priestley and William Playfair emerged from these networks as key, outsider contributors.
