Book cover for Maktub: An Inspirational Companion to The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Maktub

An Inspirational Companion to The Alchemist

2024 Released
128 Pages
1-2 Hours
Paperback Unavailable
HarperOneISBN 9780063346550
Translated by Margaret Jull Costa

Uncover timeless wisdom and unlock your spiritual journey with an insightful and inspiring collection of short stories and fables by Paulo Coelho—international bestselling author of The Alchemist.

A thought-provoking companion to the landmark literary classic The Alchemist comes Maktub (meaning "it is written"), a stunning collection that invites readers to reflect, rediscover, and find inspiration in life's quiet moments. Perfect for seekers of personal growth, divine faith, healing, and transformation, this national bestseller—from profoundly beloved and bestselling author Paulo Coelho—comes a variety of parables and stories pulled from Coelho's celebrated daily columns. As he explains, “Maktub is not a book of advice—but an exchange of experiences.”

Each story—brief yet mighty—delivers lessons rooted in universal truths, weaving together spirituality, humanity, and self-reflection. Drawn from Coelho's experiences with spiritual leaders, friends, and cultural teachings, these stories are crafted to resonate with readers from all walks of life. Some highlights include:


  • A Talking Snake: A story about understanding deception and finding clarity in the chaos.
  • The Fifth Mountain: Reflecting on perseverance, dedication, and the beauty of small victories in long journeys.
  • A Zen Master and the Disciples: A meditation on balancing responsibility with enlightenment and the dangers of ignoring life’s practicalities.
  • The Buddha in Conversation: Practical insights on the value of choice and action in shaping one’s destiny.
  • A Mysterious Hermit: A tale that explores the quiet strength in solitude and contemplation.
  • ...and many more that challenge, inspire, and illuminate.


Whether you're revisiting The Alchemist or newly discovering Coelho's work, Maktub is an invaluable resource for those in search of inner peace and practical guidance, offering daily doses of wisdom for everyday life, accompanied by elegant black-and-white line art—making this both a thoughtful gift and a visual and intellectual feast.

Discover the beauty of life’s mysteries and the wisdom of the ages with Maktub.

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is the author of The Alchemist, he was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Being the author of 30 books that have sold over 320 million copies in 170 countries, he has become one of the most widely read authors in the world today. Paulo Coelho is the recipient of over 115 awards and honours, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the Grinzane Cavour Book Award and the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur, to name a few.

More by Paulo Coelho

Margaret Jull Costa

Translated by

MARGARET JULL COSTA has been a translator of Spanish and Portuguese literature since 1987. Among the other authors she has translated are Paulo Coelho, Fernando Pessoa, José Saramago, Bernardo Atxaga and Javier Marías. Her work has brought her various awards, the most recent being the 2008 PEN/Book-of-the-Month Award and the 2008 Oxford Weidenfeld Prize for her translation of Eça de Queiroz’s masterpiece The Maias.

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