Final answer:
Paulo Coelho is the acclaimed author of 'The Alchemist,' a best-selling novel that explores the journey of a shepherd named Santiago in pursuit of his dreams.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of The Alchemist is Paulo Coelho. This book was originally published in Portuguese in 1988 and has since been translated into more than 70 languages, becoming an international bestseller. It follows the story of a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who dreams of finding a worldly treasure located somewhere in Egypt. Along his journey, he learns about the importance of listening to his heart and realizing his dreams, which is the core theme of the book.