Book
The alchemist / Paulo Coelho ; translated by Alan R. Clarke.
"A special 25th anniversary edition of Paulo Coehlo's extraordinary international bestselling phenomenon--the inspiring spiritual tale of self-discovery that has touched millions of lives around the world.Combing magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different--and far more satisfying--than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams. "-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780062315007 (paperback)
- Physical Description: x, 182 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm
- Edition: 25th anniversary edition.
- Publisher: [San Francisco] : HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2014.
- Copyright: ©2014
Content descriptions
| General Note: | "This book is an English version of O Alquimista, the Portuguese original edition, published in Brazil by Editora Rocco Ltd. (Rio de Janeiro). Copyright 1988 by Paulo Coelho. Previous paperback editions were published in 1994 and 1998 by HarperOne, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. A HarperFlamingo edition was published in 1998. A previous HarperPerennial paperback edition was published in 1998. English version copyright 1993 by Paulo Coelho and Alan R. Clarke. Updated introduction copyright 2014 by HarperCollins Publishers"--Title page verso. |
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Alchemists > Fiction. Alchemy > Fiction. Shepherds > Spain > Andalusia > Fiction. Quests (Expeditions) > Fiction. Self-realization > Fiction. Young men > Spain > Andalusia > Fiction. |
Available copies
- 16 of 31 copies available at BC Interlibrary Connect. (Show)
- 1 of 2 copies available at Castlegar Public Library.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 31 total copies.
Other Formats and Editions
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Holdable? | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castlegar Public Library | FIC COE (Text) | 35146001901354 | Fiction | Not holdable | Lost | 2018-01-29 |
| Castlegar Public Library | FIC COE (Text) | 35146002137982 | Fiction | Volume hold | Available | - |
More information
- Kirkus Reviews : Kirkus Reviews 1993 May
Coelho is a Brazilian writer with four books to his credit. Following Diary of a Magus (1992--not reviewed) came this book, published in Brazil in 1988: it's an interdenominational, transcendental, inspirational fable--in other words, a bag of wind. The story is about a youth empowered to follow his dream. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who learns through a dream of a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. An old man, the king of Salem, the first of various spiritual guides, tells the boy that he has discovered his destiny: ``to realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation.'' So Santiago sells his sheep, sails to Tangier, is tricked out of his money, regains it through hard work, crosses the desert with a caravan, stops at an oasis long enough to fall in love, escapes from warring tribesmen by performing a miracle, reaches the pyramids, and eventually gets both the gold and the girl. Along the way he meets an Englishman who describes the Soul of the World; the desert woman Fatima, who teaches him the Language of the World; and an alchemist who says, ``Listen to your heart.'' A message clings like ivy to every encounter; everyone, but everyone, has to put in their two cents' worth, from the crystal merchant to the camel driver (``concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man''). The absence of characterization and overall blandness suggest authorship by a committee of self-improvement pundits--a far cry from Saint- Exup ry's The Little Prince: that flagship of the genre was a genuine charmer because it clearly derived from a quirky, individual sensibility. Coelho's placebo has racked up impressive sales in Brazil and Europe. Americans should flock to it like gulls. (First printing of 50,000) Copyright 1999 Kirkus Reviews - Publishers Weekly Reviews : PW Reviews 1993 March #4
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. (June) Copyright 1993 Cahners Business Information. - School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 1993 July
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 Cahners Business Information.
