Perry Fox's debut 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 6'5" Second Lieutenant from Madison, Florida, who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. While the novel's plot—a kidnapped president and a secret double—is fiction, it is rooted in the documented experiences of the real FJB, who fought in the Virginia Peninsula, was wounded in action, served in the artillery, and was captured in 1865, spending months in 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 secret body double serves as a powerful exploration of how war can transform beliefs and forge unexpected bonds. By weaving historical facts into a thrilling narrative, Fox creates a story that captures the moral complexity and human drama of the Civil War.
The book's significance lies in its blend of personal history and imaginative reconstruction. Fox explains that the story began with his father, Barney, telling him about his own father. "The image of my grandfather, tall, like Lincoln, and deeply dedicated to his family and faith, stayed with me," Fox says. "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." This approach not only pays tribute to a grandfather the author never met but also illuminates the broader soldier experience, offering readers a window into the ethical dilemmas faced during America's deadliest conflict.
Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is a heartfelt tribute to a legacy of faith, persistence, and honor. By grounding his fiction in truth, Perry Fox ensures that his grandfather's story—and the stories of countless other soldiers—resonates with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the enduring impact of family lore and the transformative power of war on individual lives.
