The Exorcist

5b William Peter Blatty. Gauntlet Publications, 1997. The 40th Anniversary Edition. Limited to 600 Numbered Copies. 173/600. SIGNED

Notes

The Exorcist (1971) by William Peter Blatty is a chilling psychological and supernatural novel inspired by a real 1949 exorcism case. It tells the story of Regan MacNeil, a young girl possessed by a demonic entity, and the desperate efforts of two priests—Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit struggling with faith, and Father Merrin, an experienced exorcist—to save her soul. Blending horror with theological depth, the novel explores themes of faith, doubt, and the confrontation between good and evil. Its unflinching depiction of possession and spiritual warfare shocked readers but also earned critical acclaim, becoming a massive bestseller and the basis for the landmark 1973 film adaptation that reshaped modern horror.

William Peter Blatty (1928–2017) was an American novelist, screenwriter, and filmmaker known for infusing horror with spiritual and philosophical questions. Raised in a devout Catholic family and educated at Georgetown University, his religious background deeply influenced his writing. Before The Exorcist, Blatty worked in comedy and screenwriting, but the novel’s success transformed his career. He went on to write and direct The Exorcist III (based on his novel Legion) and continued to explore themes of redemption, faith, and the supernatural throughout his life. Though best remembered for a story of terror, Blatty saw The Exorcist as ultimately a tale of hope and the triumph of faith over despair.

 Description

Black cloth hardcover with dust wrapper. Signed by William Peter Blatty, F. Paul Wilson, and Paul Clemens.