[fatherbowdern]

Ben,

Great collection! I have most of these. One in particular, “CRASH GOES THE EXORCIST: WHERE THE EXORCIST FAILED by Dr. Clifford Wilson (very interesting rebuttal of Blatty’s novel),” sounds inviting. In what way does Wilson’s rebuttal make it an interesting read?

I can’t find much online because it was written in 1974. I did find this, however, about Wilson here.

[Witch of Endor]

On another note, are there any actual academic books on the theory of Regan being abused in some way (by the director or otherwise)? I know its not a popular theory here, but I have always found it interesting, although marginal.

[fatherbowdern]

Enjoy this theory from Rob Ager about what you question here.

Father Bowdern

[Benocles_Czar]

Bowdern,

I respect Wilson as a Christian and Creationist (of which I am both), but he seems exceptionally harsh on Blatty’s novel. Sure, I’m not a Catholic nor do I believe in its interpretation / tenets, but I really believe it to be a powerfully religious novel with a strong Christian message. It’s worth a read, even though many are likely to disagree.

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
Editor, AMERICAN EXORCIST

[Jason Stringer]

That’s one impressive list of titles you have there, Ben!

[Ryan]

The only thing I can recommend is upgrading from the 2nd edition to the 3rd edition of BFI modern classics.

[drexul]

hey Ryan-i just checked my BFI modern classics…I have the second edition and the revised second edition. Did a third edition come out or are you refering to the revised 2nd edition?

[fatherbowdern]

Ben,

Thanks for the information on Wilson. I was trying to connect his book’s title, “CRASH GOES THE EXORCIST: WHERE THE EXORCIST FAILED,” with that of Christianity (Wilson) and the film itself.

I take it from your comments that Wilson is only analyzing the “failure” of The Exorcist on a Christian and/or Creationist level … perhaps the tenets of one religion over another (?). [Scratching head.]

Unfortunately, I can’t find a synopsis or review online. Would it be something that you could perhaps share? You have piqued my interest once again, friend.

Many thanks,

Fr. Bowdern

[Ryan]

Sorry, I meant the revised second edition.

[magus]

You might want to get “Possession and Exorcism” by Traugott K Oesterreich. Blatty used this as a reference when he wrote his novel. In fact Karras studies it when researching Reagan’s case in the Blatty novel.

[fatherbowdern]

Ben,

Magus brings up a good reference and book. For the librarian in you:

Oesterreich, T. K. (1921). Possession and Exorcism. NY, NY: Causeway Books.
[Reproduced (for obvious reasons) in 1974, pp.400, ISBN: 0 88356 035 6]

[Benocles_Czar]

Friends,

Just looking over my bookcase this morning and was wondering if I am missing any books studying ‘The Exorcist’ (film or novel) or ‘Legion’ and ‘The Ninth Configuration’ for that matter. Here’s my list:

* THE EXORCIST: THE STRANGE STORY BEHIND THE FILM by Howard Newman

* WILLIAM PETER BLATTY ON THE EXORCIST: FROM NOVEL TO FILM by Blatty

* THE EXORCIST: SCRIPT (published by Faber & Faber with intro by Kermode)

* BEFORE THE EXORCIST: WILLIAM PETER BLATTY’S OWN STORY OF TAKING HIS NOVEL TO FILM by Blatty

* IF THERE WERE DEMONS, THEN PERHAPS THERE WERE ANGELS by Blatty

* FACES OF FEAR (containing an in-depth interview with Blatty)

* THE EXORCIST: BFI MODERN CLASSICS by Mark Kermode (2nd edition)

* CRASH GOES THE EXORCIST: WHERE THE EXORCIST FAILED by Dr. Clifford Wilson (very interesting rebuttal of Blatty’s novel)

* THE EXORCIST: OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Bob McCabe

* POSSESSED by Thomas Allen (studying the case on which The Exorcist was inspired)

* THE EXORCIST (Gauntlet Press edition, containing the most amazing and insightful introduction by Blatty ever written imho)

* Szumskyj’s AMERICAN EXORCIST: CRITICAL ESSAYS ON WILLIAM PETER BLATTY (thirteen great essays… lol)

* WILLIAM PETER BLATTY’S THE NINTH CONFIGURATION (Kermode annotated script, by ScreenPress books)

So, am I missing any books (not by Blatty, but studying Blatty’s novels)?

And is anyone game to compile a list of all Blatty’s interviews?

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
Editor, AMERICAN EXORCIST

[Benocles_Czar]

Bowdern,

I haven’t read Wilson’s book for a long time, but no, it’s nothing to do with Creationism. If my memory serves me correctly, I think it’s about his problem with the film’s theology and impact on those watching it. He makes some interesting points, but again, I remember disagreeing with him on most things. I should re-read it again, to confirm that statement…

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
Editor, AMERICAN EXORCIST

[fatherbowdern]

Thanks, Ben. The additionally information is helpful in making a purchasing decision on my part, especially if Wilson addresses viewer perspectives.

Happy 2009, my friend,

Fr. Bowdern

[Author]

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