This is a definite must-read for any mega-Exorcist fan! There's some great history of both the book's author, the film director, and their relationship, as well as behind-the-scenes narratives. It also includes all the Exorcist sequels, prequels, and television shows, as well as the upcoming Exorcist project with Blumhouse. This book was filled with nostalgia, and also just interesting tidbits of information including all aspects of the story. It does discuss the origin and what the book was based upon, and does touch on the religious backstories of Blatty and Friedkin. The whole "cursed set" is explained, and even various lawsuits that came about after the film was made. Curiously, there's not a lot of quotes from Linda Blair herself. There are a few, but I expected more. About half of this book is synopses of all the plots of the books and films, which while helpful, could be daunting if you've already seen and read everything. All in all, I love that the Exorcist is still thrilling audiences today, and this makes me very excited for the new Blumhouse project.

You may think that everything that can be written, has been about The Exorcist but think again.
Nat Segaloff, who previously wrote the biography of one William Friedkin, has put together an expansive document of not just the first film, but all the film and TV iterations of The Exorcist lore.
While the initial half of the book does cover the 1973 classic, Segaloff goes beyond that and in-depth with all of the sequels, prequels and excellent television series. They even squeeze in a chat with David Gordon Green ahead of the sequel trilogy, which initially debuts this October.
This is clearly written with admiration and respect and Segaloff does goes in-depth on elements of the script in some areas and grabs the interviews with the right people for all of the films. The talk around Dominion and Exorcist: The Beginning are a whole story worth buying this book for alone. A real journey into how not to make a movie. There is also the ill-fated sequel The Heretic, the multiple versions of Exorcist III plus the premature cancellation of the Fox series.
You may think you've read everything about The Exorcist, but think again, as The Exorcist Legacy will tempt you like a demon and possess you to devour it in no time.

This is a fascinating look into a classic novel and its movie. I’ve seen The Exorcist many times, and I always enjoy it, and Segaloff’s insider view of its conception, shooting, message and legacy will please many fans. The author was personally acquainted with both, the writer and the filmmaker, so he has privileged behind-the-scenes access and even transcribes conversations that he had with the creators. There is a lot of information about the writing of the novel, the filming of the movie and the philosophy behind it. And not just the first (and in my opinion the best) film, but the sequels, prequels and even the TV series. The author also includes material about Father Amorth, the Vatican’s real-life exorcist and some of his experiences with the possessed. Whether you believe in God and the devil, this book will please anyone who believes in movie magic.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Kensington Books, Citadel!

This was an excellent look at a movie that still manages to be impactful to this day. It had information outside of the initial film which I really appreciated because part of a legacy is the sequels it spawns.

While this wasn't really expecting, I did enjoy most of the book. As a horror fan, I am also of course a fan of the movie. And yet I've never read or knew much background on the movie. I may have heard a bit about the supposed curse along with other horror movies with similar rumors, but didn't know specifics or details. I really enjoyed learning about the making of the movie and even the process of it starting as a novel, then it's film adaptation and the sequels that followed.
However, I had been hoping for more about the legacy aspect. It seemed to be kind lacking. I can't say exactly what I was expecting but generally some kind of insight into the lasting impact the film had as a role model for future films and film makers. I thought maybe it would include some insight or analysis on the movies impact it made on future movies. There are a lot of different ways it could have influenced the way similar movies were made or written and even inspire future generations. I thought maybe it would include more quotes or interview with film makers that were inspired and influenced by the movie.
Like I said I enjoyed most of the book but didn't feel like it focused enough on what that lasting legacy of the movie was. Somewhere around the last third of the book, I started losing interest. This would have been a great place to add in noticeable ways it influenced similar films or how it inspired other filmmakers. There's like a whole very large and specific genre of possession and exorcism movies that likely that might not even exist without the exorcists.
Overall, if you're looking to learn about the film itself and how the whole franchise became a thing, you should totally give this a read. I just wish it included a bit more insight and analysis on its lasting effect of the movie.

I love this movie! The legacy behind the film is so interesting and the author did an amazing job recounting the story of the film andthe making of it.

If you are a fan of The Exorcist, this book reveals how the movie came to be, the differences between the book and the movie. Every tidbit you could want to know (and even some you didn't know you wanted to know!) about the director, writer and actors that were in the movie. It is a must read for every fan of The Exorcist.
I would recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While I wouldn't say I'm the biggest die hard fan of The Exorcist, I have both read the book and seen the movie. I remember as a kid being terrified of the movie and having reoccurring nightmares about it. When I heard about this book I thought it'd be a really interesting read.

It's incredibly evident that Segaloff has done his research. This book is jam packed with information about pretty much anything you could think of relating to The Exorcist. Segaloff tackles the book, the movie, the sequels, the tv series, the remakes. He dives into both William Peter Blatty and William Friedkin's backgrounds and how the book and the movie came to be. It's all impressively in depth.

I found a lot of this book to be interesting but a lot of it to also be kind of boring. I would have preferred to listen to this book on audio vs. reading it digitally. Wholly, I still enjoyed the book and learning about the history of The Exorcist.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

First off I want to thank the publisher and writer for making this book. Also thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC.

Secondly, this book was written phenomenally. There is so much detail about the creation of not only the films, but the TV series and the original book itself. You get indepth details from the movies, history and facts from each film that was created. You get to see the hardships and the overall struggles it had to even create such masterpieces. They have interviews and not only that you get to learn about things many didn't let out to the public.

Thirdly, You not only learn about the creations of the franchise but about the lives of the cast and producers as well. They struggled making these films and went through hardships. It's amazing the things you'll learn they had to do in order to get it done.

Lastly, this book is just an absolute treasure trove for the fans of The Exorcist. As stated above its full of facts, an interview, the hardships and details it took to make the franchise, and let's not forget the little sidebars. Those were my favorite parts. Those let you see the actual parts of the franchise they created. Like little footnotes they showed you the differences between films and such.

Once again thank you for letting me read this ARC. It was an incredible journey

I loved The Exorcist and was excited to get this copy. The book was very informative and had some information that I did not know.
It was a little bit unorganized but I think fans of The Exorcist will enjoy it.
Many thanks to me for the chance to read and review this one.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Kensington Books for an advanced copy on the creation and legacy of one of the most disturbing movies ever made, The Exorcist, and the legacy and influence both the book and movie had on people.

Sometimes when the stars are right, when the summoning works, magic can happen and something amazing can be created. Two men, an author known for comedy movies, and a director coming off a successful police procedural movie, met, fought, argued, made-up fought some more, and created one of the most popular and disturbing movies ever made. A lightening in a bottle moment, that neither man could really capture again, but for a time in 1973 people thought souls were being sold to have a movie that was making that much in box office. A movie that seared its way into the public conscious, created many imitators and sequels, and after 50 years might be making a comeback. Written by Nat Segaloff, a publicist who worked on the movie at the time, The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear is look at the making of, with interviews, behind the scenes stories, and a thoughts on the movie half a century later.

William Peter Blatty had made success for himself in Hollywood as a screenwriter of comedies, that by the end of the 60's were starting to lose their charm and luster. Blatty needed something, so he sat at his desk and tried to think of something that would be both popular and something he could maybe turn into a movie. Thinking back to his days in Georgetown University a a conversation he had, and with plenty of his own thoughts on God, evil and how we perceive it, Blatty began to write a story about a young girl, with a monstrous problem. William Friedken was a man who had dragged himself up through the news business, starting in the mail room, working on morning shows and soon working on documentaries, with a keen eye and a gift for telling stories. Hollywood came calling, and he had a hit with the film classic, The French Connection. Friedken was approached by Blatty to help make his book a movie. Friedken was blown away, and soon they began work on the movie, The Exorcist. The shoot was troubled, with sickness, death, studio interference, and conflicts between the two men. The studio had no idea what it had, until December 26 when the movie was released and became a sensation.

A complete look at the book, the movie, sequels and other iterations, and ancillary projects including a new trilogy starting this year. I had an idea about the movie, but had no idea there was a television series, which Segaloff covers. I have to admit haveing a soft spot for both versions of The Exorcist III, and it was nice having an explanation for why so many copies of the same movies have been released. The Exorcist seems cursed in that people never seem to to leave it alone, cutting footage, adding footage, in one sequel redoing the whole movie. The book goes into a lot of detail about the men, how both hit their creative high point here, Blatty had some ideas, but nothing with the power of The Exorcist. Friedken had a few good movies left in him, Sorcerer for one, but seems to have drifted over the years. There are a lot of interviews some very revealing, and the book really covers the history well, leaving no stone unturned for stories, controversies, or even lawsuits.

Recommended for fans of the movie of course. For fans of cinema also, to see where the blockbuster idea started to come from, and the rise of sequels. Also for readers of horror, and for writers too, in doing research, and finding and standing behind one's ideas. A very good book on a scary subject.

The Exorcist is one of my favourite movies and I was excited to read Nat Segaloff’s book about the original film and the movies, books and the tv show that followed. I was not disappointed! This book is incredibly detailed with great behind the scenes anecdotes that really bring the story to life. It’s well-researched and draws on many sources to really bring together the full story. Reading this made me love the movie even more - something I never thought possible. A must read for movie fans!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

I am a fan of The Exorcist movie, although I'm ashamed to say I haven't read the book YET. But, I definitely will.

Still, you truly need to be a mega-fan of all of the Exorcist movies and the book to really appreciate the mass amounts of random facts in this book. Not to mention the repetition! The author repeated story facts over and over, it just got tedious.

I will say that I did find some of the behind the scenes and interviews with both Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair to be interesting. I enjoyed reading about their thoughts, feelings and experiences with the movie.

Also, I found the fact that when the movie came out, a high percentage of the audience left the theater absolutely sick (some vomiting) while watching it,very interesting.. And, the majority of these audience members were male! I guess horror fans have seen so much over the years that anyone watching that movie now in the theater would barely bat an eye, let alone run out sick. Enjoy it, yes, leave the theater in horror, no.

The ebook ARC also lacked any photos that I feel could've really added to the reading experience. It definitely would've made it more immersive and enjoyable.
3⭐️

I want to thank Netgalley, the publisher and author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC ebook.

A must read for any fan of The Exorcist, horror, or film history in general. Nat Segaloff provides a comprehensive history of the franchise, and the climate in which it existed, including the TV series which I had no idea existed prior to reading this. It’s wild to say that The Exorcist has been around for nearly 50 years. Time, man. The Exorcist paved the way for so much of what I love today that this almost feels like required reading for any self proclaimed horror or film nerd, but required reading I really enjoyed — and you’ll likely enjoy too, if spooks and movies are your thing.

It is obvious that the author knew their subject well. The amount of research is impressive.

The associations and the life events that have come out of this movie. I remember hearing how people were vomiting at this film when it first came out.

I would be 16 when I finally read this and I still remember how creeped out I felt. Yes, today with CGI we get these type of images pushed on us on a daily basic, but if I watch the Exorcist I am STILL creeped out. I espcially was amazing at the scene where Reagan go down the stairs crablike!

This book brought it all out again for me. I am amazed that it is actually a 50th anniversary. I am amazed at how much this movie has developed, through sequels and through the various media mentions over the hears.

This book has it all. Super interesting and very well written.

An absolute jaw drop on the behind the scenes story of how the exorcist movie was made. This book is definitely for horror nerds who want to know more about how a horror movie came to life and story behind the film.

If you love film history and the exorcist this is the book for you.
I like them both and I really learned a lot about the Exorcist and the story behind and making of the movie.
The information about the case that lead to the story and the history of the actors was really intriguing.

This book is about the beginnings of The Exorcist, how the story and screenplay came to fruition, the Directors’ complicated relationship with the writer, actors on actors, and a complete synopsis of the entire franchise broken down by each movie, including the TV series and upcoming movie trilogy in which Ellen Burstyn reprising her role as Chris MacNeil.

After 50 years, filmgoers are still fascinated by The Exorcist and why it remains one of the scariest, most critically acclaimed, and most disturbing films on record.

Living in DC, I’ve passed that house more than I can count, and we’ve taken those stairs. There was excitement as that was the very place where everything went down. By my 20s, I still was not brave enough to watch this film.

The Exorcist as a story about faith and what ends a mother would go to for her daughter. The main underpinnings of this film are about a Priest losing his faith and, even in that turmoil, how these men of God would sacrifice themselves to help a stranger.

The book also mentions that it wasn’t a rumor about the strange occurrences and that the film was absolutely cursed.

For The Exorcist (1974), we learn about deaths among the film crew, family members, and different people associated with the movie, the set burning down, and the Pazuzu statue getting lost in route to Iraq and ending up in Hong Kong 3 weeks later, delaying the actual production for two months, to name a few.

We learn about the tension on the set of The Exorcist and the director’s “anything-for-the-film” ethos, as the director was known to fire guns on the set.

This makes me want to go back and watch this movie and all its counterparts in its entirety now that I’ve read this book, and I understand some of the underpinnings and how it was made and how they achieve the effects that make us cringe. This book is rich with facts and interesting backstories behind books and films, and why it’s such a cult classic today.

I am a fan of horror movies, but The Exorcist is more than that. It’s a deep dive into what scares you, and it tests what we believe. Thanks again to NetGalley for providing the great read, and I HIGHLY recommend this book.

The Exorcist is one of my all time favourite movies. A mystery of faith, the battle between evil and good and the most terrifying detective story ever made. Brilliant on so many levels. If you like me love the movies, this book is a must read. It’s well written and filled with interesting stories about the making of the movies.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the copy.

"The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear" by Nat Segaloff is a comprehensive nonfiction film retrospective book that delves into the fascinating history and enduring impact of one of the most iconic horror movies of all time. As a fan of The Exorcist, horror, and film studies, I was thrilled to get my hands on an advanced copy of this book, and it did not disappoint.

Nat Segaloff, an original publicist for the movie and a renowned biographer of its director, William Friedkin, presents a wealth of information and insights that shed new light on the making of The Exorcist and its subsequent legacy. From the real-life exorcism that inspired the novel to the various sequels, prequels, TV series, and homages, Segaloff covers it all. He skillfully weaves together original interviews with cast, crew, and other participants, along with revelations from personal papers, to provide readers with a captivating behind-the-scenes look.

One of the highlights of this book is the exploration of the movie's enduring appeal. Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty aimed to create more than just a terrifying experience; they wanted to delve into profound themes of good and evil. Segaloff successfully demonstrates how The Exorcist goes beyond mere scares, challenging viewers' personal beliefs and fears. I found these insights thought-provoking and a testament to the film's profound impact on the horror genre.

Additionally, the book offers a treasure trove of previously unknown information about the original film. It uncovers intriguing details about the production process, including the techniques used for the groundbreaking special effects. As someone who has always been fascinated by the technical aspects of filmmaking, I found these revelations captivating.

While the content of "The Exorcist Legacy" is undeniably impressive, I did find the book somewhat disjointed and unorganized in its presentation. The narrative occasionally jumps between different aspects of the film's legacy without a clear structure, which can make it a bit challenging to follow at times. However, the strength of the information and insights presented more than make up for this minor flaw.

I particularly appreciated the inclusion of sidebars throughout the book, providing helpful reminders and summaries of the various media discussed. This feature ensures that readers can easily grasp the significance of each piece of The Exorcist's expansive universe, even if they are not intimately familiar with every sequel, prequel, or TV series.

In conclusion, "The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear" is a must-read for fans of The Exorcist and horror enthusiasts alike. Nat Segaloff's deep knowledge of the subject matter and his personal connection to the film shine through in the wealth of information he presents. Despite some organizational shortcomings, the book offers a captivating journey through the history, impact, and enduring terror of this iconic film. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of The Exorcist's lasting legacy.

Note: "The Exorcist Legacy: 50 Years of Fear" is scheduled for release in July of 2023, and I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.