Perry Fox's debut novel, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, transforms generations of Fox family lore into a work of historical fiction grounded in the remarkable life of his grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox. The novel imagines a kidnapped president and a secret double, but its foundation is factual: 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 announcement matters because it highlights how family history can illuminate broader historical truths. By weaving documented facts into a thrilling narrative, Fox explores the extraordinary path his grandfather might have walked. The story follows Frank as he is plucked from the Confederate ranks, trained to impersonate President Abraham 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 beliefs and forge unexpected bonds.
For Perry Fox, the project is deeply personal. "This story started with my father, Barney, telling me about his own father," he says. "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." That motivation elevates the book beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a tribute to a grandfather the author never met, but whose legacy of faith, persistence, and honor lives on in these pages.
The implications of this announcement extend to readers and historians alike. Lincoln's Double offers a window into the Civil War era, blending adventure with thoughtful reflection on loyalty, identity, and redemption. It also underscores the value of preserving family stories, showing how personal narratives can enrich our understanding of the past. As a literary debut, the novel positions Perry Fox as a new voice in historical fiction, one who draws on authentic heritage to craft compelling storytelling.
Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is now available, and its release invites audiences to consider the fine line between legend and history, and the enduring power of a family's remembered past.
