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Fiction, World Literature, Fiction Subjects

The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho
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Overview

Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Alchemist is such a book. With over a million and a half copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has already established itself as a modern classic, universally admired. Paulo Coelho's charming fable, now available in English for the first time, will enchant and inspire an even wider audience of readers for generations to come. The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.

Synopsis

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an Alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is art eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

M. Scott Peck

A wise and inspiring fable about the pilgrimage that life should be.

About the Author, Paulo Coelho

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho broke sacred ground -- and crossed over into worldwide fame as an author -- with his symbolic masterpiece, The Alchemist. Since then, Coelho has dedicated his work to the ideal of helping people to follow their wildest dreams.

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

With the help of several enchanted strangers, an Andalusian shepherd boy learns to listen to himself.

Palm Beach Post

The unmatched Jeremy Irons reading this book makes it an instant audio classic.

M. Scott Peck

A wise and inspiring fable about the pilgrimage that life should be.

Indianapolis Star

"A touching, inspiring fable."

London Times

"[His] books have had a life-enchanting effect on millions of people."

Austin American-Statesman

"As memorable and meaningful as Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince."

New York Times

"[This] Brazilian wizard makes books disappear from stores."

San Francisco Chronicle

"A magical little volume."

M. Scott Peck

"A wise and inspiring fable about the pilgrimage that life should be."

Rudolfo Anaya

"An adventure story full of magic and wisdom."

Joseph Girzone

"A beautiful story with a pointed message for every reader."

Gerald G. Jampolsky

"A most tender and gentle story. It is a rare gem of a book."

Spencer Johnson

"An entrepreneurial tale of universal wisdom we can apply to the business of our own lives."

Anthony Robbins

"A remarkable tale about the most magical of all journeys: the quest to fulfill one’s destiny."

Book Details

Published
April 1, 2006
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Pages
208
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780061122415

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