Perry Fox's literary debut, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, draws on generations of family stories about his grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox, a tall, lanky Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. The novel, though fiction, is built on a foundation of historical fact: FJB was a 6'5" Second Lieutenant from Madison, Florida, who fought in the Virginia Peninsula, was wounded in action, and later served in the artillery. After being captured in 1865, he spent months in the notorious Camp Chase prison in Ohio.
The novel imagines an extraordinary path Frank Fox might have walked: plucked from the Confederate ranks, trained to impersonate President Lincoln, and forced into an impossible choice after a failed kidnapping plot. His journey from Confederate soldier to Lincoln's secret body double becomes a powerful exploration of how war can transform one's beliefs and forge unexpected bonds. While the plot of a kidnapped president and a secret double is a work of fiction, it is grounded in the real experiences of a soldier whose life was shaped by the moral complexities of the Civil War.
The announcement matters because it highlights the enduring power of family history and the ways in which personal narratives can illuminate broader historical events. By blending fact and fiction, Fox offers readers a fresh perspective on the Civil War era, one that focuses on the human drama and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the conflict. The story also serves as a tribute to a grandfather the author never met, preserving a legacy of faith, persistence, and honor.
"This story started with my father, Barney, telling me about his own father," says Perry Fox. "The image of my grandfather, tall, like Lincoln, and deeply dedicated to his family and faith, stayed with me. I wanted to honor his memory and the experiences of so many soldiers by placing him in a story that captures the moral complexity and human drama of the Civil War."
The book's implications extend beyond literary circles. It raises questions about identity, loyalty, and the transformative nature of war, themes that resonate with contemporary discussions about heritage and memory. By bringing a family legend to life, Fox not only commemorates his ancestor but also invites readers to reflect on how ordinary people can be thrust into extraordinary circumstances and how those experiences can reshape their beliefs and relationships.
Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is available for review and media requests, though no contact details are provided here. The novel stands as a heartfelt tribute to a grandfather's legacy and a compelling addition to historical fiction that seeks to understand the human side of America's deadliest conflict.
