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In 1986, on instructions from his mentor within RAM, Coelho undertook pilgrimage to Santiago di Compostella in Spain.
The following year he published The Pilgrimage, an account of his experiences on 'Road of Santiago'.
In 1988 he wrote book that would make him an international celebrity, The Alchemist, a story about following one's destiny and being open to universe of signs and symbols.
The Alchemist became an instant best-seller and has since sold over 11 million copies worldwide.
Coelho's eight novels have sold over 37 million copies in 56 languages and have been published in 140 countries.
In 1998 French magazine 'Lire' listed Coelho as second best-selling author worldwide.
Paulo Coelho has won over 15 international awards for his writing including prized French award, Insignia of Arts and Letters (1996). Critics have praised his writing for its "symbolic language that does not speak to our brains, but to our hearts".
In 1998 Paulo Coelho was received by Pope in Vatican.
He has been appointed to United Nations as Special Advisor for Spiritual Convergences and International Dialogues.
Coelho's view on happiness: "The most mediocre thing in world. I'd rather go by idea of joy."
(c) 2002 by Michael Southon
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