Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2006

London through Rose-Colored Graphics: Visual Rhetoric and Information Graphic Design in Charles Booth's Maps of London Poverty

Miles A. Kimball Texas Tech University

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
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Topics
rhetorical criticism multimodality
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (24)

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CrossRef global citation count: 33 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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