Perry Fox Explores Family Civil War Lore in New Historical Novel

What Happened

Author Perry Fox has published a new historical novel titled Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe. The book draws inspiration from family stories regarding his grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox, a tall soldier who served during the American Civil War.

While the book features a fictionalized plot about a presidential kidnapping, it incorporates biographical details from the author’s ancestor. The real Franklin Fox was a Florida-born artillery officer who faced combat in Virginia and endured imprisonment at Camp Chase in Ohio.

The narrative follows a protagonist who transitions from the Confederate ranks to acting as a clandestine body double for Abraham Lincoln. The work aims to examine the moral dilemmas and personal transformations experienced by soldiers during the conflict.

The Core Points

Perry Fox released a historical novel titled Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe.
The plot is inspired by the life of the author's grandfather, Franklin James Benjamin Fox.
The story centers on a Confederate soldier tasked with posing as President Abraham Lincoln.
Historical elements include the protagonist's service in Virginia and time at Camp Chase prison.
The book explores themes of moral complexity and the human impact of the Civil War.

Context in 60 Seconds

Historical fiction remains a popular medium for authors looking to bridge the gap between ancestral memory and public record. By blending documented facts with speculative narratives, writers can provide a humanizing lens on well-trodden periods like the Civil War.

This trend reflects a broader interest in genealogy and personal heritage, as modern readers increasingly seek stories that personalize historical events through the experiences of individual ancestors.

Bottom Line

Perry Fox’s new novel uses his grandfather's wartime experiences to craft a fictional narrative about the Civil War, emphasizing historical legacy and personal identity.