Michael Williams Edwards (December 26, 1931 – January 24, 2016) was an American journalist, writer, and senior editor with National Geographic. Over his 32 years with National Geographic, Edwards was known for his expeditions into Asia as well unstable or dangerous regions such as the former Soviet Union. He is perhaps best remembered for his eight–month journey retracing Marco Polo's 6,000 mile route along the Silk Road. He also co–wrote the award-winning, multi–year series, "The Atlanta Century," created for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and evolving to an NBC radio segment.