Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers for ever. Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is such a book. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide and translated into 63 languages, The Alchemist has already achieved the status of a modern classic. This updated edition includes exclusive new material. This is the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of travelling the world in search of a treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the exotic markets of Tangiers and then into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him. The Alchemist is an unforgettable novel about the essential wisdom of listening to our heart and, above all, following our dreams.