The Alchemist [Paperback]

Jorge A. Livraga (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

The Alchemist is a historical novel about an aspiring young chemist who is a member of a Hermetic Lodge in the 16th Century. The brilliant youth is seeking wisdom and wishes to learn the secrets of Alchemy. The Holy Inquisition proclaims him a heretic. He is torn by his love for Hypatia, who is also a seeker of truth, and does not want to leave her, but he is forced to flee to save both of their lives.

His adventures lead him to Egypt and India, and he finally meets the great master Giordano Bruno who instructs him in the Mysteries of Transmutation. He knows that he must go back and share his newfound wisdom, but how can he do it without risking his life and the lives of those he loves?

In addition to being a best selling novel, The Alchemist is an extremely well-researched book which reveals much about the lost science of Alchemy and those who practiced it.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Spanish

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The bubbling of the liquids in the old retorts held for Pablo Simon the mysterious power of the singing of sirens; it took him out of his unfathomable inner ocean and bound him to the rocks of tangibility, on the rough continent of matter. But soon enough, like sea winds, the invisible heralds of the horizon reminded him of his inner nature as a voyager. Through the small window, he looked up at the sky and saw the first stars appearing. The solution on which he was working was now almost totally crystallized. Later he would have to melt it down again in his iron cauldron.

"As if this substance were a great soul," he thought, "it manifests thousands of crystallizations of itself; then they are united and fused into the primary substance and so the process continues, until all that remains is a single liquid, transparent and pure..."

The soporific singing of the cauldrons lost its importance for him, and he stood up and left the instruments, the furnace and the retorts. He took off his heavy leather apron and his slate-colored shirt.

The foul air of the subterranean laboratory fled from his lungs as soon as he came out into the chill night, and the whole of his being felt suddenly cleansed... (pg.15)

Product Details

• Paperback: 219 pages
• Publisher: New Acropolis Cultural Assn (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8485982665
• ISBN-13: 978-8485982660
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,204,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and extremely intuitive about the period, June 10, 2001

By 

Sharon Berte (Somerville, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alchemist (Paperback)

The Alchemist is a wonderful novel with insite into the 16th Century. It brings you to another dimension in time and takes you on a roller coaster ride through the period. The turmoil of these times is deeply felt and makes you appreciate the true essence of Life. It reminds you of what Giordano Bruno went through when speaking up for what he believed during a time when certain truths were unspeakable. Surfice it to say, "I thought this book was inspirational, to say the least." Take a chance and experience a reading adventure!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Alchemist Reveals Ancient Knowledge, April 23, 2001

By 

David Hirschorn (Coral Gables, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alchemist (Paperback)

I loved the Alchemist. It is a riveting novel and seems to have so much profound knowledge. It is also wonderful for those eager for more knowledge about the medieval philosopher Giordano Bruno whose progressive, yet ancient philosophical theories led to his death at the hands of the Inquisition in Rome.

Highly Reccomended!

David Hirschorn Coral Gables, FL

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent !!!, May 12, 2001

By 

Elizabeth Larson (Coconut Creek, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alchemist (Paperback)

The Alchemist is a fascinating novel that makes you feel as if you were living during the Renaissance. It's a great historical window into the 16th Century. I especially like the focus on Alchemy - an art that is not only material but rather spiritual and leads to a real transformation of the human being.