Finally, a novel that changes the conversation.
Drawing from the Book of Daniel, Madison’s blueprint for power, and the bare-knuckle politics of Virginia, Frank Atkinson drops you into the modern lion’s den. His characters face the choice every public figure confronts: do what’s right, or do what wins.
“The strength of this nation has never depended solely on government. It has depended on you and me.”
— Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States
Frank Atkinson has spent over forty years observing the machinery of American power from the inside. As a Richmond-based attorney and consultant, he was the principal founder of McGuireWoods’ public affairs practice, advising universities and shaping policy on higher education and economic development. He served in the Justice Department in the Reagan Administration and as a cabinet-level advisor to former Governor George Allen.
The author of two nonfiction books on Virginia politics, The Lion’s Den is his third book and first novel; all three books are published in conjunction with the UVA Center for Politics.
Frank lives in Richmond with his wife, Diane. They have two adult sons.
Reviews of The Lion’s Den
“Frank Atkinson tells a wonderful story about Virginia politics. In that story are ambition, deception, success, fall from grace, and redemption. If you are from Virginia, you will recognize the landscape. If you aren't, the story still delivers. There is a strong component of faith throughout the story, along with a few clear opinions about some current hot-button political topics.”
- Brad Armstrong (Amazon 5-Star review)
Politics, religion, ethics and intrigue
“A very well written book with lots of twists and turns. I was impressed with how the author wove politics, religion and ethics into an interesting story. As one reviewer stated, it could very well have been true. I can certainly recommend it. ”
- William Strickland (Amazon 5-Star review)
“Deep, highly entertaining, beautifully written, The Lion’s Den may be the most valuable book you’ll read this year — if you hope to understand the country we’ve inherited and why it’s worth understanding. It’s a great story: fast, fun, fulfilling. A revelation.”
- Bob Rayner (Amazon 5-Star review)
“I have been involved in VA politics for over 17 years. The characters are amazingly well defined, and that adds to the richness and authenticity of the plot. Atkinson is a great speechwriter, and he did not disappoint with the many speeches that fill this story.”
- Heather DiSesa (Amazon 5-Star review)
Books by Frank Atkinson
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The Lion's Den
Renewing Our Democracy by Renewing Ourselves
A compelling story about life in the political arena – as a venue for selfless impact and palace of selfish ambition. Inspired by timeless lessons from the Book of Daniel, Madison's vision of balanced government, and the colorful politics of the Old Dominion, Atkinson’s characters grapple with vexing political and ethical choices in a modern-day lion's den.
By Frank B. Atkinson
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The Dynamic Dominion
Realignment and the Rise of Two-Party Competition in Virginia, 1945-1980
The dramatic story of Virginia's political transformation from the Second World War to the Reagan Revolution. As the cradle of American democracy and a force in the democratic movement sweeping the globe, the Old Dominion emerged as a dynamic political pacesetter for the nation.
By Frank B. Atkinson
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Virginia in the Vanguard
Political Leadership in the 400-Year-Old Cradle of American Democracy, 1981-2006
Continuing the story begun in The Dynamic Dominion, Virginia re-emerges as a competitive, trendsetting state. In the 1980s, Democrats led by Chuck Robb and Doug Wilder reclaimed the governor's mansion and focused on a centrist formula as a prescription for national renewal.
By Frank B. Atkinson
Is there light inside the American political arena?
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