Critical biography

David C. Jacobs

Chapter 34 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Historical Organisation Studies, 2026, pp 121-124 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Critical biography is a rigorous form of biography, a historical essay on an individual's actions informing a critical analysis of institutions and events. Biography often celebrates a famous personality. It may be entertaining, but it is limited in valuable content beyond presenting the subject's case. On the other hand, critical biography is characterized by sound contextual and historical analysis. It need not be neutral but factual evidence and transparent argument are crucial. Critical biography as methodology complements institutional inquiry and empirical evidence of other kinds. Narratives of individual agents clarify the aerial views of organizations.

Keywords: Narrative; Life; Portrait; Vignette; Profile; Critique (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332922
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