Paulo Coelho is a renowned Brazilian author, best known for his novel "The Alchemist," which has been translated into 80 languages and sold over 225 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books in history. Born on August 24, 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Coelho initially pursued a career in law before becoming a songwriter for several prominent Brazilian singers. His work is often characterized by its spiritual themes and allegorical style. In addition to being a prolific author, Coelho is also a lyricist and theatre director, and he often explores themes of self-discovery and spirituality in his works.