Product Description

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world, and this tenth anniversary edition, with a new introduction from the author, will only increase that following. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a 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 discovery of the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5176 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-10
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Amazon.com
Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sniff a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.

Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly
This inspirational fable by Brazilian author and translator Coelho has been a runaway bestseller throughout Latin America and seems poised to achieve the same prominence here. The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures. He journeys from Spain to Morocco in search of worldly success, and eventually to Egypt, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist brings him at last to self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it's full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist. Comparisons to The Little Prince are appropriate; this is a sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-- This simple, yet eloquent parable celebrates the richness of the human spirit. A young Spanish shepherd seeking his destiny travels to Egypt where he learns many lessons, particularly from a wise old alchemist. The real alchemy here, however, is the transmuting of youthful idealism into mature wisdom. The blending of conventional ideas with an exotic setting makes old truths seem new again. This shepherd takes the advice Hamlet did not heed, learning to trust his heart and commune with it as a treasured friend. Enjoyable and easy to read, this timeless fantasy validates the aspirations and dreams of youth.
- Sabrina Fraunfelter, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A Simple & Enjoyable Reading
If I had to pick up a book after reading Joseph Campbell's book, "The Power of Myth," this book was definitely a good follow-up. While still entranced by Campbell's storytelling and passion for ancient myths, this book entranced me as well. I finished this book in a day (which is literally impossible for me these days), so it should tell you that this is a simple read.

This book was also lent to me by my dad who did not care for this book at all (he read this after finishing "Kiterunner" which he did enjoy), but he wanted me to read it. The story is beautiful, simple and short. I have not heard the hype of this book nor did I know what it was about.

The seemingly simple story of a shepherd leaving all he owns behind to explore the great world resounds with me. The idea of Soul of the World resounds with me also. Following your personal dream and living life to the fullest. These all are lessons that I keep forgetting in the normal day-to-day drudge of daily life. This is a simple story that keeps reminding the reader that there is more to life than just what is here in front of one's eyes. This is a story of listening to your heart and moving forward to find the dreams of youth again.

While this is not the best book I have ever read, it is a pretty good story that is pretty much duplicated by many other stories floating around. I almost gave it a three-star but decided it was good enough for a four-star simply because I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of reading this book, which I rarely get these days.

7/25/08

A tale from Mathnawi of Rumi
I love this guy Coelho. He does an incredible job of making complicated concepts of spirituality and mysticism more understandable. Or at least makes you think about these deeper. There is a lot of symbolism and philosophy in this book. One subject that is hidden in the text is the (reference to) the Sufi concept of ONENESS of BEING or "Wahdat-ul-Wujood". Some sort of Pantheistic view you can say. One can read poet Rumi to see the same tale written 700 years ago. Another subject that is very well given to the reader is a sense of interfaith/intercultural dialog, that we are all going to live on the same planet and we better learn how to treat each other well... But you have to explore the book for yourself. And make sure your spirit is that of Santiago, the shepherd boy, who can be like the winds!

treasure chest


Cute story. Reminded me of Siddhartha. A sheep herder goes on a journey to find purpose in his life, treasure, love, and finds it.

"The Alchemist" I read because it's been recommended to me more than any other book in my life, it's passed my gaze on bookshelves of friends. I'm glad it's over.

I can finally say I've read the epic hyped out novel about a guy who learns to intuitively guide himself through life paying attention to omens and people with wise things to say who are good at magic.

An easy read. A little over an hour. Not too much flash. Lots of spiritual guidance type substance. A dallop of God and manipulating nature with inherent psychic abilities stuff. Camels.