The Alchemist

Outline

The Alchemist (1988) tells the story of Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd who dreams of a treasure and sets out on a journey across the desert to Egypt to find it. Along the way he meets a king, a merchant, a caravan, and a wise alchemist, and learns to follow his heart and pursue his personal legend. Paulo Coelho’s fable has become one of the best-selling books in the world.

• Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd, leaves his flock to cross the desert to Egypt after dreaming of a treasure.
• Following your heart and pursuing your personal legend is the central lesson of Santiago's journey.
• Each person Santiago meets along the way, from a king to a merchant to an alchemist, teaches him something new.
• The story suggests that life's greatest treasure may lie within you rather than at the end of a distant road.
• Published in 1988, this fable has become one of the best-selling books in the world.

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian novelist and one of the most widely read authors in the world, with his books translated into more than eighty languages. He worked as a songwriter and journalist before turning to fiction. His books include The Alchemist, Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, and The Pilgrimage.