Community Corner

Nucky vs. Nucky: Author Breaks Down 'Boardwalk Empire'

Camden County College hosts author Nelson Johnson to talk more about Nucky Johnson, Atlantic City corruption and Hollywood interpretation.

Nelson Johnson, whose historic look at Atlantic City political boss Nucky Johnson inspired HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, returns to Camden County College tomorrow to compare the Nuckys.

That is, compare the real Nucky Johnson to Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of the fictional Nucky Thompson on the TV series.

Johnson headlines ’s “Boardwalk Empire, Part II: Nucky Johnson is Back in Town and He Means Business” Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Civic Hall. The author will participate in an audience Q&A and a book-signing as well.

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“The award-winning HBO series Boardwalk Empire attracts millions of viewers to a fictional version of Atlantic City fraught with violence and sex, which often embellishes the historical truth,” said John Pesda, director of the college’s Center for Civic Leadership and Responsibility, which sponsors the event.

“Nelson Johnson, a gifted writer and speaker, will return to Camden County College to set the record straight with a fact-based account of the city and Nucky Johnson's role.”

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Gloucester Township Patch’s sister site, Galloway Patch, earlier broke down the . The differences go beyond the Nuckys’ physicality to extend to how each Nucky wielded his power.

Johnson (no relation to the real Nucky) earlier this year to shed light on how racketeers ruled Atlantic City.

Tuesday’s talk is free and open to the public, although advanced registration is recommended. To register or get more details, visit www.camdencc.edu/civiccenter; call 856-227-7200, ext. 4333; or email CCLRregistrations@camdencc.edu.


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