Boardwalk Empire

The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City

By: Nelson Johnson

Narrated by: Joe Mantegna, Terence Winter (foreword)

Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

From its inception, Atlantic City has always been a town dedicated to the fast buck, and this wide-reaching history offers a riveting account of its past 100 years, 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 characters, led by Enoch "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.

This audiobook, narrated by Joe Mantegna, is the true story that inspired the upcoming HBO series of the same name. It includes a foreword written and narrated by Terence Winter.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Nelson Johnson (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Joe Mantegna's steady, unaffected reading of Johnson's history of Atlantic City is a model of good audiobook narration. Mantegna seems the perfect choice for this title, a solid professional whose voice is tuned to both the drama of individual moments and the rising and falling arcs of the narrative as a whole." (AudioFile)

I love stories steeped in History

Living in NJ, I found this story particularly interesting because Altantic City has had so many chapters to its history. I even know several surviving Pitneys and the tale they tell of their early ancestor corroborates this account. Mr. Montegna does a wonderful job. I thinking hearing this lays a terrific groundwork for the HBO series I'm looking forward to seeing this Fall.

Not what I expected

I was expecting something quite different but regardless it was engrossing and enjoyable. Narration is outstanding and you won't be disppointed. I look forward to the HBO series.

O.K. history lesson

I was expecting more of a story. It was definately more of a history lesson.

Well Written...But

I too purchased this thinking it would have the excitement as the previews for the upcoming series show. This isn't that kind of book. It is very interesting and really gives a great historic account of Alantic City, but it isn't the fast action you might be expecting from the series with the same name. It is however a really well written account if you're interested in the real history of the area. I've never been there, but I think I'd be familiar with a lot of it if I did decide to go there. I was a bit disappointed because of my expectations, but I can't say there's anything wrong with this book....

Not bad

I can't remember if I actually finished this one or not - I might have lost interest after 2/3 of the book or so. Interesting diversion from my usual type of books (fiction). Wouldn't call it great, but not bad either

Well done tale of a fascinating place...

Few places have such unusual stories as the founding and growth of Atlantic City. And this author serves it well, telling that story in fast-paced, clear prose. The narrator adds to the clarity with a well-done reading. If you have any interest in American urban history, listen to this whether you've seen the prohibition-era chapters dramatized in the HBO series or not.

it was pretty solid.

it was a good look into the history of Atlantic City. It was a pretty good book. If you are a historian and you like gangster stuff then you would love this book.

Good Listen

It was a good listen. I’m glad I bought it. Covers all eras of Atlantic City.

Well told history of Atlantic City

This is a history of Atlantic City, from it's beginnings at a mosquito filled wetland to the glitter of the Trump Tower. It's just the facts with no romance or cliffhanger endings -- and it's a very good history. It's clear why HBO opted to serialize and fictionalize the life of Nucky Johnson -- its an amazing story and I think the most interesting part of the book, but don't give THE DONALD a short shrift. Before he was a joke with bad hair, he was an egomaniacal businessman and he turned AC around. Well narrated by Joe Mantegna, it's a very interesting slice of American History.

Truth is stranger than fiction.

What did you love best about Boardwalk Empire?

My wife and I bought this book because we were big fans of the HBO series. We enjoyed hearing the true story which inspired the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The real Nucky Johnson was even more powerful and organized than the fictional "Nucky Thompson" played by Steve Buscemi in the series. It was interesting to contrast the entire life story of Nucky Johnson with that of the fictional character.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is a nonfiction book and doesn't really have"scenes.'

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Boardwalk Empire - The Real Story.

Any additional comments?

This book covers a much longer period than the HBO series. Its epilogue ends in 2010, I think. Some of the history of the Farley machine era, which followed Nucky Johnson's time in power, was detailed and a little bit tedious. My wife dropped out during this period, but I continued. I was impressed by the extent of the decline of Atlantic City after Prohibition was repealed, and its revival through legalized gambling, with a whole new set of problems and opportunities.

I should add that I think Joe Mantegna was the perfect narrator for this book.