Michael Lesy is an American author and historian, best known for his work in visual culture and photography. He gained prominence with his book, Wisconsin Death Trip, published in 1973, which combines historical photographs and text to explore the lives of people in a small Wisconsin town during the late 19th century. Lesy has also contributed to the fields of American Studies and Cultural History, teaching at various institutions, including Smith College. His work often examines the intersection of history, memory, and visual representation, making significant contributions to the understanding of American life and culture.