Ralph E. Giesey was a Professor of History (Early History of France) at the University of Iowa from 1966-88. After retiring, he was living in Tucson, AZ.

He was widely published both domestically and internationally. His selected publications included 8 books, 23 articles, and 31 reviews. Throughout his career he taught at various Universities including the Institute for Advanced Study, Vassar College, University of Washington, University of Minnesota, as well as the University of Iowa.