Published by Random House on May 22nd, 2007
ISBN-10 : 0385736002
ISBN-13 : 978-0385736008
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An ancient book is lost. The modern world could be ripped apart at the seams!

The Alchemyst is a contemporary fantasy which opens in modern day San Francisco when brother and sister, Josh and Sophie discover that the owner of the bookstore where Josh works is the immortal French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. Flamel and his wife, Perenelle, are the guardians of the Book of Abraham which they have protected for centuries. This is a collection of the most powerful spells in the world. When Dr John Dee discovers the Flamels whereabouts, he attacks and snatches the book. Josh and Sophie intervene to help Flamel, but now they too are being hunted by Dee and creatures that predate humanity.

All of the main characters in The Alchemyst series are based on figures from history or mythology.

Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel both existed. Nicholas was born in France in 1330, and not only do his diaries and writings exist, his house at 51 rue de Montmorency still stands in Paris today.

In his diaries he writes extensively about discovering the Book of Abraham, and his long quest to translate it. He claims he discovered the secret of the Philosopher's Stone - how to turn base metal into gold - and also the secret of eternal life.

From being a poor bookseller, he became extraordinarily wealthy and founded schools, churches and hospitals in Paris . In recognition for his charitable works, there are two streets named for him and Perenelle.

He lived simply and when he died in 1418, his tomb was broken into by thieves looking for his vast wealth.

His tomb - and that of Perenelle - were both empty.

In the centuries that followed, there are several sightings of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel across Europe .