Author Perry Fox Turns Family Legend of Lincoln Lookalike Into Civil War Novel

Perry Fox's new novel, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, draws on a family legend that has been passed down for generations. The story centers on Franklin James Benjamin Fox, the author's grandfather, a tall, lanky Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. While the plot involving a kidnapped president and a secret double is fictional, it is rooted in the real experiences of FJB, 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 for Frank Fox: 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 explores how war can transform beliefs and forge unexpected bonds. The book is a work of fiction, but it is built on a foundation of historical fact, offering readers a glimpse into the moral complexity of the Civil War era.

For Perry Fox, the story 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." The author never met his grandfather, but the legacy of faith, persistence, and honor lives on in these pages.

The announcement of this novel matters because it brings a fresh perspective to Civil War fiction, blending family history with imaginative storytelling. It highlights the human side of a conflict often told through battles and politics, focusing instead on personal transformation and the bonds that can form across enemy lines. By grounding the narrative in his grandfather's real experiences, Fox adds authenticity and emotional depth to a story that might otherwise seem far-fetched. The book also serves as a tribute to the countless soldiers whose stories remain untold, reminding readers that history is made up of individual lives shaped by extraordinary circumstances.

Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is available now. For review copies, interviews, or media requests, please contact the publisher.