The Exorcist: A Novel

William Peter Blatty

Oct 2011 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this eBook

"A horror story for all midnights." — The Boston Globe

Inspired by the shockingly true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, William Peter Blatty's iconic novel focuses on Regan, the eleven-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C. When sweet Regan's behavior turns sinister, a small group of overwhelmed yet determined individuals take it upon themselves to rescue the poor girl from her unspeakable fate. Timeless and terrifying, The Exorcist is a story that has gripped the public zeitgeist for more than half a century.

Originally published in 1971, it remains one of the most controversial novels ever written. A literary phenomenon soon after its release, it spent fifty-seven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, seventeen consecutively at number one. It also became a wildly popular motion picture, garnering ten Academy Award nominations. On the opening day of the film, lines of fans stretched around city blocks. In Chicago, frustrated moviegoers used a battering ram to gain entry through the double side doors of a theater. In Kansas City, police used tear gas to disperse an impatient crowd who tried to force their way into a cinema. The three major television networks carried footage of these events, and CBS’s Walter Cronkite devoted almost ten minutes to the story. The Exorcist was, and is, more than just a novel and a film: it is a true landmark of American culture. . . and a reflection of our innermost fears.

Purposefully raw and profane, The Exorcist continues to engross and disturb readers. It remains an unforgettable reading experience that will continue to shock and frighten new generations of readers.

Ratings and reviews

The movie was Truly a horror film. My brother & I went to the movies (when it was released) in '70's -- a time when pills & pot was fun. Don't you know I had an experience -- I've stood in lines a many time since -- as soon as the ticket person says " how many tickets" I simply can't do anything but leave the theater. A cold sweat forms on my body and I LEAVE the theater. To this day, I haven't been able to watch that particular movie at all. Now that's what I call "FRIGHTENING"!! The only "movie" that I never seen but Once🙏🏾🦋🙏🏾

Phenomenal read! Very much a game or mystery with horror aspects. The author does a great job at teaching the reader about the act of exorcisms. I definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for a short but impactful read.

Truly a one of a kind novel. The movie follows the novel almost exactly. The movie has the advantage of frightening visuals though. Either form, you can't go wrong.

About the author

William Peter Blatty (1928-2017) was the bestselling author of The Exorcist, which he turned into an Academy Award–winning screenplay. The son of immigrant parents, he was a comic novelist before embarking on a four-decade career as a successful Hollywood writer. Blatty died on January 12, 2017, in Bethesda, Maryland.