Contents
Paulo Coelho
Writing The Alchemist, a widely translated novel about pursuing a personal calling.
The Pilgrimage · The Alchemist
- Born
- 24 August 1947
- Birthplace
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
More people
Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian novelist whose short, allegorical stories reached a global readership.
Early life
Schooling
Attended a Jesuit school in Rio.
Early uncertainty
Briefly studied law before travelling and pursuing creative work.
Career
- 1970s
Songwriting
Wrote lyrics with Brazilian musicians including Raul Seixas.
- 1980s
Books
Turned increasingly to prose after a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
- 1990s onward
International readership
Published novels translated around the world.
Selected books
The Pilgrimage
Drew on his experience on the Camino.
The Alchemist
Followed a shepherd’s search for treasure and purpose.
Veronika Decides to Die
Explored despair, conformity and the desire to live.
Beyond work
Repression
Was imprisoned and tortured under Brazil’s military dictatorship.
Public role
Has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Lula Oficial. CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
