Abstract

In this article, I examine a historical information graphic—Charles Booth's maps of London poverty (1889–1902)—to analyze the cultural basis of ideas of transparency and clarity in information graphics. I argue that Booth's maps derive their rhetorical power from contemporary visual culture as much as from their scientific authority. The visual rhetoric of the maps depended upon an ironic inversion of visual culture to make poverty seem a problem that could be addressed, rather than an insurmountable crisis. This visual rhetoric led directly to significant features of and concepts in western societies, including the poverty line and universal old-age pensions (social security).

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2006-10-01
DOI
10.2190/k561-40p2-5422-ptg2
Topics

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (20)

  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Rhetoric Review
  3. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  4. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Show all 20 →
  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Rhetoric Review
  3. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Technical Communication Quarterly
  5. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  6. Technical Communication Quarterly
  7. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  8. Written Communication
  9. Technical Communication Quarterly
  10. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  11. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  12. Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  13. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  14. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  15. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (1)

  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.2307/2979109
  2. 10.1177/147035720200100306
CrossRef global citation count: 33 View in citation network →