Guinness

“Far more than an accounting history, this engaging and meticulously researched volume uses the Guinness archive to illuminate the family, the enterprise, and over two centuries of business evolution.” – Professor Cheryl S. McWatters, University of Ottawa, Canada “A compelling demonstration of what can be achieved with a rich business archive. Quinn and Egan have produced an outstanding study of Guinness and the possibilities of accounting and business history.” – Professor Alan Sangster, University of Aberdeen, UK This book offers a comprehensive accounting history of Guinness, the world-famous stout company. It reveals accounting inputs and practices behind some of the company’s key decisions and developments since the late eighteenth century. The book focuses on the external and internal accounting and finances of Guinness. Beginning from its inception as a small family business, the book spans through to the present day and sets this aspect of the company’s history in the context of larger changes in financial accounting and reporting standards. Guinness is known for its innovative approach to management and strategic decisions, and for its efforts to improve the lives of workers and the local community. But behind such efforts lie accounting numbers, and this text seeks to explore the role of the Accounting Department in financial management. This book is an excellent resource for financial, accounting and business historians, as well as those interested in Irish history and the history of the brewing industry.