The Illustrated Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "THE BOY'S NAME was Santiago..." (more)
Key Phrases: crystal merchant, crystal shop, camel driver, Personal Legend, Soul of the World, Philosopher's Stone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since its publication in 1993, Paulo Coelho’s magical novel has enchanted millions of readers around the globe. Now, the following is sure to grow with the release of this stunning edition featuring 35 illustrations from renowned artist Moebius. The Alchemist follows Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy who leaves his home in search of treasure. What he discovers – about himself and life – as he travels over the continents to the alchemist is more rewarding than any object he ever dreamed of.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Portugese

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006019250X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060192501
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #255,510 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #26 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Portuguese
  #50 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Coelho, Paulo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the Universe can be observed in a single grain of sand, March 12, 2001

By	Robert Anderson (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I checked this book out from the library, but I'm going to buy a copy and re-read it at regular intervals.

I read it over the course of one day, thought "nice fable" & began reading another book as soon as I finished this one. But I found that the lessons contained in this simple story of a shepherd boy seeking treasure, won't be dismissed so easily. They must have taken up residence in my subconscious and kicked up some dust, because my mind keeps returning to the lessons of the story to find new and more subtle insights having formed.

These are lessons that we all know in our hearts, but that we forget as we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of our material lives. Lessons about listening to our hearts and following our dreams. Lessons about living in the moment, the transient nature of possessions and the illusion that we can even "possess" something to begin with. Lessons about freeing ourselves from fear and about understanding our lives as part of the energy of the Universe and understanding that everything will work out the way it was intended to. Lessons about trusting in signs, knowing that our lives have a grand purpose and that the forces of the Universe will conspire to help us fulfill that purpose. And the lesson that all of the fortunes and misfortunes we encounter in life are part of our spiritual education, and that it's not the earthly "treasure" we seek that's important but the lessons learned while in pursuit of it.

If you like to ponder the meaning of life, then let your mind and spirit mull over the lessons in this book. It's a quick and enjoyable read that will provide some new insights, or remind you of some old one's that you've forgotten.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An illuminating story for all faiths and ages, December 4, 1998

By A Customer

I love this book -- with its wondrous tale of adventure, the sensitively written characters, and most of all, the lessons of the heart to be gleaned in the book's central premise -- that the Universe does all it can to help when one is brave enough to follow one's own dreams, and that you ignore the lessons of the heart at your own peril. This is probably the second or third time I've read the book, but this edition -- with enchanting illustrations by Moebius -- is a special treat, and I read the book completely transfixed! The story, the drawings, and the beautiful typography all combine to form a sensuous, exquisite reading experience. Do get the book, and it's the perfect gift for a loved one for your own self.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Pictures enhance the Story, May 10, 2006

By	Steven R. McEvoy "MCWPP" (Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is an amazing book. It is a story of a young man who has a dream of hidden treasure. It is a book that alludes to that fact that all of us have a purpose and a dream. Yet many settle and give up their dream, and lose their passion for life. In this book it is stated again and again that each of us has our own Personal Legend, a quest; "When you pursue your personal legend the universe will conspire with you to make it happen." You will follow Santiago on his adventure and during the process be challenged to think about your goals and dreams and what you would have to do to pursue them.