The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism (Perennial Classics)

AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • OVER 120 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE • PUBLISHED IN 89 LANGUAGES • SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION

“Teaches us about dreams, destiny, and the reason we are all here.”—Oprah Daily, “Best Self-Help Books of a Generation”

A stunning 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new foreword by Paulo Coelho and charming interior illustrations–Discover the true power of trusting your intuition, honoring your instincts, and tapping into your innate inner wisdom

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery and spiritual healing, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, moving millions across the globe and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Helping them find inner peace, strength, gratitude, and a deeper, divine connection with themselves and the world around them.

This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring 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 near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a 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 in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery that the most valuable treasures are those 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. No matter where you are in life’s journey, allow this profound fable to awaken you to the beauty of the present and the hope of the future, and what it truly means to be human and at peace.

Year after year, across generations, Paulo Coelho's profound and enduring work remains fresh and vital for readers today. These pages, featuring new illustrations, and giftable, high-quality paper, beam with the message that if we trust in ourselves and our inner strength and wisdom, we can navigate all of life’s complexities with grace and resilience. Discover your dreams and your truth with The Alchemist.

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”—Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“It changed my whole life. I realized all of the people who had conspired to get me to this place.” —Pharrell Williams, musician and songwriter

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Published Apr 15, 2014

208 pages

Average rating: 7.66

1,663 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Oree
Jun 25, 2025
10/10 stars
This book wasn't what I expected. I've wanted to read it for so long and I'm glad I finally read it at this point in my life.
LTC
Nov 20, 2024
Book #51: Abby's selection, this meeting was originally scheduled to be discussed on 7/21/17, hosted Abby & Ro but had to be cancelled. It was then to be held at a Turkish restaurant in Astoria, Queens (hosted by Abby & Ro) but it never took place. It finally took place via Zoom on 3/19/21!
huggyjc
Jun 03, 2024
10/10 stars
Hope everyone enjoyed this read and found inspiration to go after your 'Personal Legend'! Can't wait to meet up and discuss.
KikiStoneCreek
Jun 03, 2023
4/10 stars
Not my style of book.
Silentchaos
Jun 30, 2025
9/10 stars
The book was recommended to me so many times but I read it when I guess I was destined to. The book says that if you dare to belive in your dreams universe has a way of getting it done for you. Just follow the process

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