Explore this curated list of books about alchemy, the ancient art of turning base materials to gold, often thought to symbolize the process of attaining spiritual or philosophical enlightenment. From fiction books about alchemy to books about the history of alchemy and even a book about the science of alchemy written by a modern-day chemist, you’ll find recommendations for reading a book about alchemy here.

Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology
by Marie-Louise von Franz
IN A NUTSHELL. Jungian perspective on alchemy as psychological transformation
SHORT & SIMPLE. Introduction to how the alchemical process serves as symbolism for the process of psychological individuation.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about alchemy and it’s symbolic value on the journey of becoming the real you.
Marie-Louise von Franz is a Jungian psychologist who worked closely with Carl Jung. Much of von Franz’s work focused on fairytales and alchemy. In this introductory text on alchemy, von Franz explains how the art of alchemy serves as symbolism for the transformative process of psychological individuation.
nonfiction + psychology
The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
by Paulo Coelho
IN A NUTSHELL. Magical spiritual journey of shepherd boy from Spain
SHORT & SIMPLE. A boy from Spain with a prophetic dream finds himself on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and love.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a spiritual fictional story about alchemy.
In The Alchemist, a shepherd boy in Spain with a recurring dream is told by a fortune-teller that his dream is prophetic and that he is meant to discover a treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. The boy sets out on a journey where he falls in love, meets a wise alchemist, and discovers himself.
fiction
Alchemy & Mysticism
by Alexander Roob
IN A NUTSHELL. Writing and images of alchemy and mysticism
SHORT & SIMPLE. Highly visual collection of images and writings related to alchemy and mysticism from the medieval era, early Christian era, and Romantic era.
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about alchemy focused on alchemical art.
Alchemy & Mysticism is a beautiful collection of esoteric visual art and writing spanning centuries.
nonfiction + history
Real Alchemy: A Primer of Practical Alchemy
by Robert Allen Bartlett
IN A NUTSHELL. Practical introduction to alchemy in the lab for beginners
SHORT & SIMPLE. Introduction to alchemy as a science written by a chemist
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you’re interested in reading a book about the science of alchemy rather than the psychological and spiritual aspects of alchemy.
If you’re looking for a book about the actual science of alchemy, this book about alchemy written by a lab scientist and chemist is for you.
nonfiction + science
The Alchemy of Al-Razi: A Translation of the "Book of Secrets”
Translated by Gail Marlow Taylor, Ph.D.
IN A NUTSHELL. Ancient Persian alchemist’s instructions for alchemy
SHORT & SIMPLE. Translation of an ancient alchemist text with instructions for alchemy
GO FOR THIS BOOK IF…you want to read a book about alchemy that provides a firsthand account from an ancient alchemist.
If you want to read about alchemy from the perspective of an ancient alchemist, this translation of Al-Razi’s Book of Secrets is a great choice.
nonfiction + history