School Editions: The Alchemist

The Alchemist school edition has been created by the publishing houses for students between 14 and 17 years of age. The textbook comes together with an exercise book for students and a guide book for teachers. Beside the questions and exercises for the workout of the novel, there are separate study plans for each country. For this reason, it is necessary for a publishing house to consult a specialist when preparing the edition.

The marketing of this edition is not similar to the launch of a novel. In this case, the sales channels are distinctive, and all information is directed toward the teachers.

The pioneers of this project were Bompiani (Italy) who published the first school edition. Afterwards, the same was done in Argentina, with a huge success and a great demand for the book from the school community. Right now, the school editions of The Alchemist are available in Spain, both in Spanish and Catalan language, France and Mexico.

The publishing house Pergaminho from Portugal has just published "O Alquimista. Uma leitura analítica e crítica" (The Alchemist. An analytic and critical reading). It is a reading guide to "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho especially designed for teachers to advise, support, stimulate and promote reflection on the main topics that appear throughout the work.

School Editions: Veronika Decides to Die

The school edition of Veronika Decides to Die is especially designed for teachers and students aged between 14 to 17. The novel is accompanied by a reading guide comprising several questions and activities with the aim, according to the authors of the guide, of "helping the reader understand the novel and assimilate the knowledge it conveys."

This edition has been published by Edicions Proa in Spain, in Catalan language.

Special Edition: On the Seventh Day

The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.

And On The Seventh Day includes the complete and unabridged Paulo Coelho's stunning thematic trilogy: By the River Piedra I Sat Down & Wept, Veronika Decides to Die, and The Devil and Miss Prym. The three books revolve around a week in the life of seemingly ordinary people, all of whom find themselves suddenly confronted by love, death and power.

By the River Piedra I Sat Down & Wept traces the journey of two lovers on a quest across the French Pyrenees. In the confronting tradition of the author's bestselling work The Alchemist, it is written with a poetic and transcendent narrative, and reflects the many mysteries found in love, religion and life.

Veronika Decides to Die is a moving and uplifting tale centred on the days following the heroine's suicide attempt. As Veronika is forced to question the very concept of madness, she comes to realise that every second of existence is a choice that we all make between living and dying.

The Devil and Miss Prym is set in the remote community of Viscos. The arrival of a stranger presents a pivotal question: are human beings, in essence, good or evil? Emotion-charged from beginning to end, this is the tale of a society devoured by greed, cowardice and fear, in which the integrity of being human meets a terrifying test.

Linking these stories together is Coelho's belief that the profoundest changes take place within a short time. And while these intense changes shape the lives and decisions of the characters, they also challenge the reader - testing our strength, courage and willingness to adapt.

On the Seventh Day was published by Harper Collins Australia in 2004. Munhakdongne launched also in Korea a special set box which includes the three books.