A new novel, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, by Perry Fox, transforms a long-held family legend into a work of historical fiction. The book, released in October 2026, is inspired by the author's grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox, a Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to President Abraham Lincoln. This resemblance serves as the catalyst for a narrative that blends documented history with imaginative speculation, raising questions about identity, loyalty, and the transformative power of war.
The real Franklin Fox 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. In 1865, he was captured and spent months in Camp Chase, a notorious Union prison in Ohio. These biographical details anchor the novel's premise: what if a soldier with such a unique physical trait had been forced to impersonate the enemy's leader? In the story, Frank Fox is plucked from the Confederate ranks, trained to impersonate Lincoln, and faced with an impossible choice after a failed kidnapping plot. His journey from Confederate soldier to secret body double for President Lincoln becomes a powerful exploration of how war can reshape beliefs and forge unexpected bonds.
The novel's origins trace back to oral history. "This story started with my father, Barney, telling me about his own father," says Perry Fox. "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." For the author, the book is a heartfelt tribute to a grandfather he never met, but whose legacy of faith, persistence, and honor lives on in its pages. By weaving historical fact into a thrilling narrative, Fox not only preserves his family's lore but also invites readers to consider the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by individuals during one of America's most divisive conflicts.
The announcement of Lincoln's Double highlights the enduring appeal of Civil War fiction and the ways in which family stories can illuminate broader historical truths. It underscores how personal narratives, passed down through generations, can inspire new perspectives on well-known events. The novel's focus on a Confederate soldier's transformation also prompts reflection on the complexities of loyalty and identity during wartime, making it a timely addition to the genre. With its blend of fact and fiction, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe promises to engage readers interested in history, family sagas, and the timeless struggle between duty and conscience.
