Michael Smith, born in 1946, is a British author and journalist whose work primarily focuses on the history of polar exploration. He began his writing career in this field after a successful career in journalism, where he was recognized with awards such as Industrial Journalist of the Year twice. Smith's journalistic background included significant roles at publications like The Guardian and The Standard.

His literary contributions have shed light on significant figures and lesser-known individuals involved in polar expeditions, particularly those with Irish connections. His first book, "An Unsung Hero - Tom Crean," achieved considerable success, topping non-fiction bestseller lists in Ireland and contributing to the recognition of Irish roles in polar history. This book was also adapted for children, leading to its inclusion in the Irish national curriculum. Smith has authored biographies of notable explorers like Captain Lawrence Oates, Sir James Wordie, and Captain Francis Crozier, as well as broader chronicles of Irish Antarctic explorers. He has also appeared in television documentaries, presented radio series, and lectured extensively at numerous prestigious institutions worldwide, discussing the lives and achievements of polar explorers.

Prior to dedicating his career to the history of polar exploration, Michael Smith built a distinguished career as an award-winning journalist in London. His journalistic work earned him the title of Industrial Journalist of the Year on two occasions, in 1987 and 1992. He was a member of the National Union of Journalists, holding Life Membership. During his tenure from 1978 to 1989, he held various positions at The Guardian, including industrial editor, political correspondent, and transport editor. He later served as city editor for The Standard from 1990 to 1991, and then as industrial editor and business editor for The Observer from 1992 to 1995. This extensive experience in reporting and editing laid the groundwork for his later in-depth research and writing on historical subjects.

Michael Smith's literary output has significantly contributed to the understanding and popularization of polar exploration history. His debut book, "An Unsung Hero - Tom Crean," published in 2000, garnered critical acclaim and became a number one non-fiction bestseller in Ireland. This biography played a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of Irish individuals to polar exploration. The success of "An Unsung Hero" led to a children's adaptation, "Tom Crean - Iceman," which was integrated into the Irish national school curriculum. Beyond Crean, Smith has authored biographies of other key figures such as Captain Lawrence Oates, Sir James Wordie, and Captain Francis Crozier. He has also explored the narratives of less recognized Irish explorers, including Edward Bransfield, Patrick Keohane, Robert Forde, and the McCarthy brothers. His 2014 biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton further cemented his reputation in the field.

Beyond his written works, Michael Smith has actively engaged with the public and academic communities regarding polar exploration. He has made appearances in numerous factual television documentaries and created and presented a radio series focused on Irish explorers for RTE Radio. Smith has also delivered lectures extensively, sharing insights into the lives of prominent figures in polar history, such as Tom Crean, Francis Crozier, and Ernest Shackleton. His lectures have been delivered at a wide array of distinguished venues, including the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the National Library of Ireland, the National Maritime Museum in London, the Royal Geographical Society, and the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge, among many others. This broad platform demonstrates his commitment to disseminating knowledge about this historical field.