"Billy Bathgate" is a historical novel written by E.L. Doctorow, published in 1989. The story is set in the 1930s and follows the life of a young boy named Billy Bathgate, who becomes involved with the notorious gangster Dutch Schultz. The narrative explores themes of crime, loyalty, and the complexities of growing up in a world dominated by organized crime. The novel is notable for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of the era. It received critical acclaim and won the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction. In 1991, "Billy Bathgate" was adapted into a film starring Dustin Hoffman and Nicole Kidman.