The exorcist

Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist is now a major television series on FOX. It remains one of the most controversial novels ever written and went on to become a literary phenomenon: It spent fifty-seven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, seventeen consecutively at number one. Inspired by a true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, William Peter Blatty created an iconic novel that focuses on Regan, the eleven-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C. A small group of overwhelmed yet determined individuals must rescue Regan from her unspeakable fate, and the drama that ensues is gripping and unfailingly terrifying.Two years after its publication, The Exorcist was, of course, turned into a wildly popular motion picture, garnering ten Academy Award nominations. On opening day of the film, lines of the novel’s 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; 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.Purposefully raw and profane, The Exorcist still has the extraordinary ability to disturb readers and cause them to forget that it is “just a story.” Published here in this beautiful fortieth anniversary edition, it remains an unforgettable reading experience and will continue to shock and frighten a new generation of readers. The Exorcist is a 1971 horror novel by American writer William Peter Blatty. The book details the demonic possession of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil, the daughter of a famous actress, and the two priests who attempt to exorcise the demon. Published by Harper & Row, the novel was the basis of a highly successful film adaptation released two years later, whose screenplay was also written and produced by Blatty, and part of The Exorcist franchise. The novel was inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession and exorcism that Blatty heard about while he was a student in the class of 1950 at Georgetown University. As a result, the novel takes place in Washington, D.C., near the campus of Georgetown University. In September 2011, the novel was reprinted by Harper Collins to celebrate its fortieth anniversary, with slight revisions made by Blatty as well as interior title artwork by Jeremy Caniglia. Chris MacNeil—adored film star, divorced sin- gle mother—has come to Washington, D.C. to finish a movie. Swept up by the demands of her busy, flourishing career, Chris is blind to the subtle warnings that a dark, malevolent pres- ence has invaded her comfortable townhouse. Powerful and cunning, it is taking possession of Regan, her 12-year-old daughter. Every ave- nue of help leads to a dead end. Now hope lies only in a doubt-ridden priest and his fragile elder... in a terrifying battle with an obscene, unspeakable evil that must end in victory...or madness and death. --back cover

The chilling movie we could not forget . . .

The Exorcist changed popular culture forever.Forty years ago, the movie that was based onWilliam Peter Blatty's runaway #1 bestseller—agroundbreaking story of faith and supernaturalsuspense—held audiences captive. Now this specialedition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the iconic film that paved the way for the entire genrethat followed it: the unforgettable The Exorcist.

THE CHILLING MOVIE WE COULD NOT FORGET ... The Exorcist changed popular culture forever. Forty years ago, the movie that was based on William Peter Blatty's runaway #1 bestseller—a groundbreaking story of faith and supernatural suspense—held audiences captive. Now this special edition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the iconic film that paved the way for the entire genre that followed it: the unforgettable The Exorcist. --back cover THE BLAZE OF SUN WRUNG POPS OF SWEAT from the old man's brow, yet he cupped his hands around the glass of hot sweet tea as if to warm them. A Jesuit priest, unable to find plausible explanations for an eleven-year-old's strange behavior, begins to suspect demonic possession SUMMARY: The phenomenal bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture--newly re-released in a version you've never seen before!