Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City

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 Enoch "Nucky" Johnson - the second of three bosses to head the Republican machine that dominated city politics and society.

In Boardwalk Empire, Nucky Johnson, Louis "the Commodore" Kuehle, Frank "Hap" Farley, and Atlantic City itself spring…