Perry Fox has transformed generations of family lore into his literary debut, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, a novel that imagines the extraordinary path his grandfather might have walked. The book, released in October 2026, weaves historical facts about Franklin James Benjamin Fox—known as FJB—into a thrilling narrative that explores how war can transform beliefs and forge unexpected bonds.
According to the Fox family, FJB was a 6'5" Second Lieutenant from Madison, Florida, who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. He 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 details form the factual foundation for the novel, which imagines Frank Fox being 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 is a powerful exploration of moral complexity and human drama.
The novel is a heartfelt tribute to a grandfather the author never met, but whose legacy of faith, persistence, and honor lives on in its pages. "This story started with my father, Barney, telling me about his own father," Fox 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."
While the plot of a kidnapped president and a secret double is fiction, it is built upon a foundation of truth, making the book a unique blend of historical fact and imaginative storytelling.
The announcement of Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is significant for readers interested in Civil War history and family sagas. It highlights the enduring power of family stories and the ways in which historical events can be reimagined to explore timeless themes. By grounding his novel in his grandfather's real experiences, Fox adds authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative, offering readers a fresh perspective on the Civil War era.
For the publishing industry, the book represents a notable debut from an author drawing on personal history, a trend that often resonates with readers seeking genuine and relatable stories. The novel's focus on moral complexity and transformation may appeal to book clubs and history enthusiasts alike, potentially sparking discussions about the war's impact on individual lives.
Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is available now. For review copies, interviews, or media requests, please contact the publisher.
