How to Lie with Statistics,   ISBN:9780393310726

Customer Rating: 

This is a first of a kind classic that describes some of the more common ways that quantitative data and graphs are used, knowingly or unknowingly, to misrepresent reality. Even though the examples are a bit dated this does not diminish the value of the book. If anything, I would argue that the book is more relevant now than it was when Huff wrote it 50 years ago. Why so? Because in this crazy-busy world in which we live, on the whole we are more susceptible than ever to accepting statistical data, carte blanche, no questions asked. This state of affairs is an unfortunate reality that unscrupulous advertisers, politicians, special interest groups, and others are well aware of and continue to take advantage of.

Finally, don't be dissuaded by those who criticize the book for being light on statistical theory. It was not written for statisticians.

Customer Rating: 

There is nothing in this book that you won't find in a begining statistics course. The author gives lots of definitions of the most commonly used words and then provides examples. The reading is light and easy and sometimes amusing. However, it is a flimsy paperback made from low quality paper. There are LOTS of typos in this book. Definitely not worth $12.

Customer Rating: 

This book made a huge impression on me in college in 1980, and I have kept my copy to this day. I quote from it all the time when people use numbers in a gullible fashion. In this day and age, when the numbers just keep getting bigger, not being cowed by statistics and mathematics seems a very worthwhile skill.

Customer Rating: 

It's been a month now and I still haven't received this book. Links to contact the seller weren't working a week ago so that's a little odd, but I'm guessing my order didn't get processed for some reason.

Customer Rating: 

Darrell Huff's classic text is an invaluable guide to anyone that brushes up against statistics. And, given that we all watch the news / read a paper / listen to our friends at the water cooler / make powerpoint presentations / listen to a salesman... that's all of us.

Huff goes through all the little lies and explains how, with some creative thinking, numbers can be bent to any purpose. This isn't just a manual on how to deceive - it is an education to turn the reader into a critical audience. Huff's not teaching us how to lie, he's teaching us how to get to the truth. (That's a bit of a soaring statement, but it works - if we all had the sense & the knowledge to ask the right questions, we'd be living in a much nicer, more orderly world).

Huff also writes to the lowest common denominator. This isn't meant to sound offensive - instead, the book is aimed to bring anyone - no matter how numeraphobic (is that a word?) - up to the level of proficiency. His timeless doodles and illustrations are worth the cost of purchase alone, and his anecdotes are brilliant. This is 'statistics' as taught to you by your mate at the bar, not in a dusty classroom.

A must-read. I've assigned it to everyone at the office, a move which has paid off ten-fold... (well, that's the mean measurement, not the median...)