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The Exorcist
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The Exorcist: Book 1

The Exorcist (1971) (edit title/settings)

by William Peter Blatty (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

The terror begins unobtrusively.Noises in Regan's room, an odd smell, the displacement of furniture, an icy chill. Easy explanations are offered. Then frightening changes start in the eleven-year-old girl. Medical tests shed no light on her symptoms, but it is as if a different personality has... read more

Summary edit see section history

An elderly Jesuit priest named Father Lankester Merrin is leading an archaeological dig in northern Iraq and studying ancient relics. Following the discovery of a small statue of the demon Pazuzu (an actual ancient Assyrian demigod) and a modern-day St. Joseph medal curiously juxtaposed... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

An elderly Jesuit priest named Father Lankester Merrin is leading an archaeological dig in northern Iraq and studying ancient relics. Following the discovery of a small statue of the demon Pazuzu (an actual ancient Assyrian demigod) and a modern-day St. Joseph medal curiously juxtaposed together at the site, a series of omens alerts him to a pending confrontation with a powerful evil, which, unknown to the reader at this point, he has battled before in an exorcism in Africa. Meanwhile, in Georgetown, a young girl named Regan MacNeil living with her famous actress mother, Chris, becomes inexplicably ill. After a gradual series of poltergeist-like disturbances, she undergoes disturbing psychological and physical changes, appearing to become "possessed" by a demonic spirit.

After several unsuccessful psychiatric and medical treatments, Regan's mother turns to a local Jesuit priest. Father Damien Karras, who is currently going through a crisis of faith coupled with the loss of his mother, agrees to see Regan as a psychiatrist, but initially resists the notion that it is an actual demonic possession. After a few meetings with the child, now completely inhabited by a diabolical personality, he turns to the local bishop for permission to perform an exorcism on the child.

After consultation with the Jesuit president of Georgetown, the bishop appoints the experienced Merrin, recently returned to the States, to perform the exorcism and allows the doubt-ridden Karras to assist him. The lengthy exorcism tests the priests, both physically and spiritually. After the death of Merrin, the task ultimately restores Karras' faith, leading him to give his own life to save Regan's.

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First Sentence edit see section history

The blaze of the 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.

Table of Contents edit see section history

Prólogo.Irak del Norte.
I. El Comienzo.
II. El borde.
III.El abismo.
IV. "Y que mi súplica llegue hasta ti..."
Epílogo.
Nota de autor.
Agradecimiento.
Sobre el autor.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 1 of 2 in The Exorcist. (standard series)

Followed by Legion.

This is book 2 of 10 in Publishers Weekly Bestselling Novels In 1971. (authoritative list)
This is book 68 of 199 in Newman and Jones 200 Best Horror Novels. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. William Peter Blatty (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Harper & Row
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1971
ISBN: 9780060103651
Page Count: 340

Classification edit see section history

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

Movie Connections edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • Rosemary's Baby
  • The Omen
  • Legion

Books with Additional Background Information edit see section history

   
  • Danse Macabre
  • William Peter Blatty On The Exorcist. From Novel To Film.
  • Possessed
  • The Real Story Behind the Exorcist

Books That Cite This Book edit see section history

   
  • Men, Women, and Chain Saws
  • Shock Value
  • Fading From Memory

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