Eden resident Perry Fox has published his debut novel, Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe, a work of historical fiction inspired by his grandfather, a 6'5" Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. The book imagines an alternate path for his ancestor, weaving a tale of a botched kidnapping, an unlikely friendship with the president, and a desperate race to stop an assassination.
Fox said the story grew out of family lore. "I've always been fascinated by the stories my father told me about his own father," he said. "Writing this book was a way for me to connect with a grandfather I never got to meet and to explore the incredible 'what ifs' of history. It's been a labor of love, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with my community."
The novel takes readers from the simple farms of Florida to the high-stakes political arena of Washington, D.C., offering a fresh perspective on one of America's most defining eras. By centering the narrative on a figure who resembles Lincoln, Fox explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the unpredictable consequences of historical choices.
The publication of Lincoln's Double matters beyond its local interest because it highlights how family history can fuel compelling historical fiction. Fox's use of a personal connection to the Civil War era gives the novel an authenticity that may resonate with readers who enjoy exploring alternate outcomes of pivotal moments in American history. The book also adds to the growing body of fiction that reimagines the Civil War and Lincoln's presidency, a genre that continues to attract readers interested in the period.
For the publishing industry, debut novels from local authors with strong personal stories often find traction in regional markets and among readers of historical fiction. Fox's background as an Eden resident and the unique premise of his grandfather's resemblance to Lincoln could help the book stand out in a crowded field. Independent bookstores and libraries may take particular interest in a title with such a distinct local angle.
Lincoln's Double: Friend or Foe is now available. The author has indicated that review copies and interviews can be arranged through the contact provided in the original announcement.
