paulo coelho is not only one of the most widely read, but also one of the most influential authors writing today.
the jury of the 2001 bambi awards, on presenting him with germanys most prestigious prize.





paulo coelho, seen by some as an alchemist of words and, by others, as a mass culture phenomenon, is the most influential author of the present century. readers from over 150 countries, irrespective of their creed and culture, have turned him into a reference author of our time.

his books, translated into 56 languages, have not only topped the bestseller lists, but have gone on to become the subject of social and cultural debate. the ideas, philosophy and subject matter covered in his books touch the aspirations of millions of readers searching for their own path and for new ways of understanding the world.

paulo coelho was born in 1947 into a middle-class family, the son of pedro, an engine...