"The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" explains how to present data clearly and meaningfully. The author believes that visual representations of numbers should tell a story, making it easier for people to see patterns and understand the message. Tufte stresses the importance of precision and clarity in graphs and charts, cautioning against clutter or unneeded decoration, which can confuse the audience.

Tufte introduces principles for creating practical visual displays of data. He explains that the design should always serve the data, ensuring that the message is clear and accurate. He also shares historical examples of excellent data visualization to illustrate how well-designed charts can make complex information easy to grasp.

The book acts as a guide to creating visuals that communicate data effectively and honestly. The author encourages simplicity, honesty, and careful attention to detail so that viewers can draw the right conclusions from the data without distraction or misinterpretation.