Paulo Coelho, one of the most widely read and influential authors of the modern era, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1947. Before achieving international acclaim, Coelho led a remarkably varied and tumultuous life, marked by his pursuits as a playwright, theater director, lyricist, and journalist. His early rebellious nature and unconventional path heavily informed the spiritual and adventurous themes found throughout his literature.
Coelho’s global breakthrough came in 1988 with the publication of The Alchemist, which initially saw moderate success in Brazil before exploding into a worldwide phenomenon. The novel's simple, parable-like structure and powerful message about pursuing one's Personal Legend captured the imagination of millions across cultures and continents. It has been translated into an astounding 80 languages, making Coelho one of the most translated living authors in the world.
