312

William Blatty (1928-2017)

The Exorcist, Signed First Edition.

New York: Harper & Row, 1971.
Stated first edition, octavo; signed by Blatty in blue ink on the front free fly leaf; bound in publisher's maroon cloth-backed glossy boards of the same color, gilt-stamped spine, beige endpapers; with the original pictorial dust jacket (jacket price clipped, minor chipping to edges, small dampstain to upper edge of verso; rubbing to board edges); 8 ¼ x 5 ½ in. 

The basis for the controversial but hugely popular horror film of the same name, for which Blatty also wrote the screenplay. When The Exorcist premiered in 1974, a Newsweek columnist wrote, "all hell has broken loose," referring not only to the record-breaking box-office numbers but also the terror that the film inspired in audiences. Moviegoers ran from theaters screaming, fainted in their seats, and numerous theaters reportedly kept ambulances on call during showtimes. The Exorcist was the first horror movie to win an Academy Award, and it remains a cultural reference point and pillar of the horror genre.

  • Condition: Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000