Stories, narratives and golden threads in accounting history research

This paper explores narrative and storytelling, proposing a “golden thread” approach to the writing of accounting history. The study considers “stories” as the events involving human actors and “narratives” as interpretive frameworks through which these stories can be organized and told. In accounting history, tensions arise between immersive, story-driven accounts and structured, theory-oriented approaches. The paper argues for a renewed emphasis on narrative approaches, telling stories based on empirical data and advocating the use of a “golden thread”: a unifying theme, question, or analytical concept that ensures coherence, clarity, and depth. Drawing on illustrative examples, including micro-history studies and actor-centred accounts, the paper demonstrates how a golden thread can guide the writing journey. However, the paper cautions against over-simplification, emphasizing a need to balance narrative coherence with historical complexity and nuance. This paper also contributes by offering practical guidance for scholars seeking to craft compelling, rigorous, and resonant historical narratives.