Boardwalk Empire
The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City.
Boardwalk Empire is the name of a book about Atlantic City authored by Nelson Johnson and published by the Plexus Publishing, Inc.
The HBO series, "Boardwalk Empire," is based on this book.
Boardwalk Empier - Book
An empire built on dreams, desires,
and shifting sand ---
Through most of the 20th century, Atlantic City was controlled by a powerful partnership of local politicians and racketeers. Funded by payoffs from gambling rooms, bars, and brothels, this corrupt alliance reached full bloom during the reign of "Nucky" Johnson--the second of three bosses to head the Republican machine that dominated city and society.
In Boardwalk Empire, Nucky Johnson, Louis "the Commodore" Kuehnle, Frank "Hap" Farley, and
Atlantic City itself spring to life in all their garish splendor. Author Nelson Johnson traces "AC" from
its
birth as a quiet seaside health resort, through the notorious backroom politics and power struggles, to the
city's rebirth as an international entertainment and gambling mecca.
Irresistably told, with characters and pacing worthy of a well-crafted novel, Boardwalk Empire is the true story of a colorful city and its unique political culture.
You can see reviews of this book, and if you like purchase a copy, by following this link: Boardwalk Empire
To see other books about Atlantic City follow this link:
Books About Atlantic City
The Ritz Carlton Hotel
The 600 room Ritz Carlton Hotel opened in 1921 at Iowa Avenue and the Boardwalk. Nucky Johnson Leased the entire ninth floor. From there he could view the ocean as he had his breakfast. The Ritz Carlton became Nucky's headquarters, from which he ruled Atlantic City.
Famous guests who stayed at the Ritz Carlton include: Al Capone, Calvin Cooledge, Warren G. Harding, Herbert Hoover,Lucky Luciano and Lawrence Tibbet.
In 1980 the Ritz Carlton association purchased the Ritz Carlton Hotel and converted it into condominiums. It is now named The Ritz Condominiums. A recent renovation program restored the building to its former grandeur.
Some interesting photos are shown below.
The Ritz Carton Hotel in 1921.
Nucky Johnson's view from the 9th floor of The Ritz Carton Hotel.
The Ritz Condominiums today.
The Ritz Condominiums Lobby, restored to its original look.