Perry Fox has published his debut novel, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, a work of historical fiction inspired by the remarkable life of his grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox. The book, announced in a press release, blends family lore with documented history to tell the story of a Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to President Abraham Lincoln and is imagined as being forced to impersonate him.
The real Franklin James Benjamin Fox, known as 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. These facts form the foundation of the novel, which imagines an extraordinary path for Frank Fox: plucked from the Confederate ranks, trained to impersonate the president, and forced into an impossible choice after a failed kidnapping plot.
The novel's premise—a kidnapped president and a secret double—is fiction, but the author says it is built on a foundation of truth. "This story started with my father, Barney, telling me about his own father," Fox said. "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 explores how war can transform beliefs and forge unexpected bonds, following Frank's journey from Confederate soldier to President Lincoln's secret body double. It is a heartfelt tribute to a grandfather the author never met, but whose legacy of faith, persistence, and honor lives on in its pages.
For readers and industry observers, the publication of Lincoln's Double highlights the enduring appeal of Civil War fiction and the growing trend of authors drawing on genealogical research to craft narratives that blend personal history with larger historical events. The novel's focus on moral complexity and human transformation resonates in a time when discussions about history and memory remain deeply relevant. By grounding his story in verifiable details—FJB's height, military record, and imprisonment—Fox adds authenticity to the fictional premise, potentially attracting readers who appreciate historical accuracy alongside imaginative storytelling.
The book also underscores the role of family stories in shaping cultural memory. As debates continue over how to interpret the Civil War and its legacy, works like Lincoln's Double offer a personal lens through which to examine the conflict's human dimensions. The novel's exploration of loyalty, identity, and unexpected alliances may prompt readers to reflect on the complexities faced by individuals caught in historical upheavals.
Perry Fox's debut arrives with a built-in narrative hook: the striking resemblance between his ancestor and one of America's most iconic presidents. That detail, combined with the author's commitment to honoring his grandfather's experiences, positions Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe as a noteworthy addition to the genre. The book is available for review and media requests, signaling an intent to reach a broad audience interested in historical fiction and family history.
