William Peter Blatty

American author William Peter Blatty was born in New York in 1928. He was the son of Lebanese immigrants who traveled to the United States in search of a better future. After completing his studies in literature, Blatty took on various jobs, including as a traveling salesman, truck driver, and travel agent, before securing a position in the Psychological Warfare Division of the United States Air Force. He also worked for the United States Information Agency before deciding to dedicate himself entirely to writing. His first book, titled "Which Way to Mecca, Jack," was published in 1960. As a screenwriter, Blatty collaborated with, among others, the legendary director Blake Edwards. "The Exorcist," his most famous work, was published in 1971 and became a publishing phenomenon, remaining on the "New York Times" bestseller list for 57 weeks and inspiring the classic film of the same name. Twelve years later, "Legion," a sequel to "The Exorcist," was published and also adapted into a film.