"Facts are Sacred: The power of data (Guardian Shorts)" by Simon Rogers

Data Journalism may sound like a new trendy vocation in the light of WikiLeaks revelations and the MPs' Expenses Scandal, but that's not entirely accurate. Simon Rogers, the editor of The Guardian's Datablog identifies his papers first piece of Data Journalism as being published on 5th May 1821 (when it was The Manchester Guardian) and containing a table of data on schools in Manchester and Salford.

Rogers' book provides more up-to-date anecdotes on data journalism, but that's not all. He provides an excellent and succinct overview of investigating data - both the good aspects and the pitfalls. He identifies sources of data that can be accessed freely (including the US and UK Governments) known as "open data" and explains why it's not just for journalists - campaign groups, businesses and individuals can make good use of it, too. Also included, is a run-down of how The Guardian Datablog works, including which tools they use and the proportion of time they spend on each part of the process.

This is a "must read" for anyone interested in investigating data. Guardian editor CP Scott in 1921 is often quoated as saying: "Comment is free, but facts are sacred". In this book, Simon Rogers provides virtually everything to give you the power of data (the facts), and allow you to make a better informed comment.

"Facts are Sacred: The power of data" by Simon Rogers published by Guardian Shorts, is available as a Kindle eBook from Amazon.co.uk for £2.99. People without a Kindle will be pleased to know that Kindle Reader Applications for Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android can be freely downloaded from Amazon.