Providing the inspiration and source material for the upcoming HBO series produced by Academy Awardwinning director Martin Scorsese and Emmy Awardwinning screenwriter Terence Winter, this riveting and wide-reaching history explores the sordid past of Atlantic City—forever a freewheeling town long-dedicated to the fast buck—from the city's heyday as a Prohibition-era mecca of lawlessness to its rebirth as a legitimate casino resort in the modern era. A colorful cast of powerful characters, led by “Commodore” Kuehnle and “Nucky” Johnson, populates this stranger-than-fiction account of corrupt politics and the toxic power structure that grew out of guile, finesse, and extortion. Atlantic City's shadowy past—through its rise, fall, and rebirth—is given new light in this revealing, and often appalling, study of legislative abuse and organized crime.
Soon to be made into a new HBO series with a pilot directed by Martin Scorsese!
GAN
Posted November 25, 2010
Nothing like the TV series, but better. This book goes from when Atlantic City was just a sandy island until present day. At least the first couple of chapters should be required reading for ALL American PUBLIC school-kids. It details how capitalism really works to the benefit of all. From a sand pile to a resort for the common man and jobs for all simply from a vision of one man, this book chronicles the march of capitalism and how it benefited the working class of Philadelphia. No socialist government could have ever built a city for the benefit of tens of thousands. Then, when corruption sets in the city starts in its inevitable decline. This book details the great things capitalists did for this Philadelphia and South Jersey such as getting trains into Atlantic City for a cost the working man could afford; providing thousands of jobs for ex slaves from the south; providing a vacation resort for the working class. Then when government intervened and banned alcohol, this provided a haven for thieves and organized crime. Government became corrupt and the people suffered. This book, to me, shows how a corrupt government destroys cities....
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2008
Really good for those who are interested in how this billion city came up from a deserted island owned by farmers.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.HYnote
Posted October 19, 2011
The Author tells this story in a way that makes you want to keep reading. If you ever wanted to know about Atlantic City, or you watch Boardwalk Empire on HBO, this book is for you. From a small island to Trump's Casino, it's all in here. The wheeling & Dealing,the racketeering,side deals,and backstabbing. Nelson Johnson has told the story of a bad girl gone strait or as strait as she can. Great Read!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 16, 2013
U here?
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Posted December 28, 2012
If you are looking for a replay of the HBO series "Boardwalk Empire," this book is not for you. If, however, you are interested in learning about how Atlantic City came into being, then this is the book for you.
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Posted December 5, 2012
Being a fan of the HBO Original Series, Boardwalk Empire, I was excited to read the true story behind the fiction. It was very interesting to read the history of Atlantic City from its very humble beginnings to what it is today. I definitely recommend this book.
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Posted October 23, 2012
*winterstar
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Posted August 5, 2012
Go to winter result two. Ask to join. Say robinwhisker sent you.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 24, 2011
Very informative about that era. I'm a fan of the HBO series and this really gave me a better perspective on that time in our history.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I love thw show on HBO and this is the book that made it. Fast page turner u always want to know whats going on love love this story
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Posted January 27, 2011
Learning the history of Atlantic City was fascinating. Growing up in New Jersey and spending time "down the shore" every summer made the reading of Boardwalk even more interesting.
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Posted April 19, 2012
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Overview
Providing the inspiration and source material for the upcoming HBO series produced by Academy Awardwinning director Martin Scorsese and Emmy Awardwinning screenwriter Terence Winter, this riveting and wide-reaching history explores the sordid past of Atlantic City—forever a freewheeling town long-dedicated to the fast buck—from the city's heyday as a Prohibition-era mecca of lawlessness to its rebirth as a legitimate casino resort in the modern era. A colorful cast of powerful characters, led by “Commodore” ...