The Exorcist

The Exorcist is a 1971 horror novel by American author William Peter Blatty and published by Harper & Row. The book depicts a demonic possession of twelve-year-old Regan MacNeil, the daughter of a famous actress, and the two Roman Catholic priests who attempt to exorcise the demon. The novel was the basis of a highly successful 1973 film adaptation, whose screenplay was also written and produced by Blatty, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture. More movies and books were eventually added to The Exorcist franchise.