The Life of Benjamin Franklin, in Three Volumes: 1: Journalist, 1706-1730; 2: Printer and Publisher, 1730-1747; 3: Soldier, Scientist, and Politician, 1748-1757

Originally intended as a seven-volume set covering Franklin's complete life and career(s), this ambitious biography was cut short by the author's death in 2008. These three volumes are all that was printed. Lemay was among the most important scholars studying Franklin's life, and his edition of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is considered authoritative. As part of his research for this work, he released to fellow scholars a treasure trove of documentary resources online, entitled Benjamin Franklin: A Documentary History. An impressive and important contribution to the study of Franklin's life, and its effect on American history.