Yes, the book was first published in 1928, written by Herbert Asbury. Recently reissued in paperback. It probably has very little to do with the movie. The book is a history of all the gangs whereas the film will be a story focusing on a few probably fictional charicters. Oh yes, and their obligatory love interests. Just as they managed to turn the sinking of the Titanic into a love story with Leonardo, they will probably do something similar with Gangs.