Book description
Paulo Coelho is a worldwide phenomenon. At a time when he is coming up
to the fantastic achievement of 100 million copies sold worldwide across
all his books, his fans will be delighted with the first ever official
biography of Paulo, an in-depth look at his life and work, and what
makes him the much-loved author he is today.
Paulo's first official biographer, Fernando Morais, provides an
exhaustive look at Paulo's fascinating and varied life, taking several
years to research his subject, and interviewing everyone who knows
Paulo. He weaves together the strands of Paulo's life, revealing the man
behind the world-famous writer.
Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August 1947. Before
he became internationally known and a worldwide bestseller, he had to
overcome many obstacles. As a teenager, he was subjected to the
brutality of electric shock treatment in the psychiatric hospital where
his parents, who took his rebelliousness as a sign of madness, interned
him three times. As a member of the esoteric underworld, he was put in
prison for alleged subversive activities against the Brazilian
dictatorship and subjected to physical torture.
Later, Paulo joined forces with rock star Raul Seixas and together they
composed songs that revolutionized Brazilian rock music. Hippie,
journalist, rock star, actor, playwright, theatre director and producer
of television programs, this whirlwind life came to an end in 1982,
during a trip to Europe. In Dachau and later in Amsterdam, Paulo had a
mystical meeting with "J", his new mentor, who persuaded him
to walk the Road to Santiago de Compostela, a medieval pilgrim's route
between France and Spain.
In 1986 Paulo walked the Road to Santiago, and it was there that he
reconverted to Christianity and found again the faith bequeathed to him
by the Jesuit fathers of his school years. He would later describe this
experience in his first book, The Pilgrimage. The following year, The
Alchemist, established his worldwide reputation. The novel has already
achieved the status of a universally admired modern classic. Now, for
the first time, discover the true story of the man behind some of the
world's most loved books. Praise for Paulo Coelho:
'An exceptional writer.' USA Today
'His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.' Times
'One of the few to deserve the term “Publishing Phenomenon”.'
Independent on Sunday
'Coelho's writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what
counts…he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.' Daily Express
'Mr. Coelho's talent as a writer and his exceptional ability to touch
the lives of men and women across boundaries
and cultures makes him a powerful Messenger.' Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General
'“The Alchemist” is a beautiful book about magic, dreams and the
treasures we seek elsewhere and then find on our doorstep.' Madonna
'It's like music, really, the way he writes, it's so beautiful. It's a
gift that I envy above all others.' Julia Roberts Paulo Coelho was
born in Brazil and has become one of the most widely read and loved
authors in the world. Especially renowned for The Alchemist and Eleven
Minutes, he has sold more than 85 million books worldwide and has been
translated into 63 languages. The recipient of numerous prestigious
international awards, amongst them the Crystal Award by the World
Economic Forum and France's Legion d'Honneur, Paulo Coelho was inducted
into the Brazilian Academy of Letters in 2002. He writes a weekly column
syndicated throughout the world.
