Paulo Coelho ​

Paulo Coelho de Souza is a Brazilian author, best known for his novel The Alchemist. He has published numerous other novels, including Brida, The Devil and Miss Prym, and By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept. Coelho's works have been translated into more than 80 languages and have sold more than 225 million copies in more than 170 countries.

Quick Facts ​

• Author of the famous novel "The Alchemist", which has been translated into 80 languages.
• Works are filled with themes of self-discovery and spirituality.
• All his books have a distinct symbolic style and allegorical themes.
• More than 225 million copies of his books were sold in more than 170 countries.
• His works also include "Brida", "Eleven Minutes", and "The Devil and Miss Prym".

Background ​

Coelho was born in 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was raised in a middle-class family, and from an early age, he wanted to become a writer. Unfortunately, his parents disapproved of his aspirations and committed him to a mental institution on three separate occasions. After escaping the institution, he became a lyricist for Brazilian rock bands and wrote song lyrics for many famous singers in the 1970s. His first book, "Hell Archives," was published in 1982, but it didn't sell well. He gained fame with his novel "The Alchemist," which was published in 1988 and has since sold millions of copies worldwide. Coelho has published several other successful novels, including "Brida" and "Eleven Minutes." His books have been translated into more than 80 languages, and he has received numerous international awards for his work.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Coelho's writing style is deeply spiritual and philosophical. His work often delves into the human experience and the importance of personal growth, with many of his novels featuring characters on physical and spiritual journeys. He employs a simple but poetic language that resonates with readers across the globe. His work has been translated into more than 80 languages, making him one of the most translated authors in the world. His most famous novel, The Alchemist, has become a modern classic.

Notable Works ​

• The Alchemist (1988)
• Brida (1990)
• By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept (1994)
• The Fifth Mountain (1996)
• The Devil and Miss Prym (2000)
• The Valkyries (1992)
• Eleven Minutes (2003)
• The Zahir (2005)