About the author
Carlos Castaneda (December 25, 1925 – April 27, 1998) was a Peruvian-American writer, trained as an anthropologist. Starting in 1968, Castaneda published a series of books that describe alleged training in shamanism that he received under the tutelage of a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named Don Juan Matus. While Castaneda's work was accepted as factual by many when the books were first published, the character of Don Juan and the training he described is now generally considered to be fabricated and to have little relation to the actual cultural practices of the Yaqui. Castaneda's early writings featuring Don Juan were bestsellers with the general public, and are considered to be a significant influence on neoshamanism and the New Age movement more broadly. The first three books—The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, A Separate Reality, and Journey to Ixtlan—were written while he was an anthropology student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Castaneda was awarded his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, based on the work he described in these books.
📖 Where to start with Carlos Castaneda
💬 What our editors say about Carlos Castaneda's books
“While intellectually stimulating for those committed to the esoteric path, this volume demands significant patience and philosophical alignment with Castaneda’s unique style. It does not suit readers seeking quick fixes, casual…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Art of Dreaming
“This groundbreaking work captivated a generation seeking profound alternatives to standard epistemology. While its anthropological authenticity remains debated, the narrative itself stands as a compelling exploration of…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
“This foundational text is a potent fusion of ethnography and spiritual insight, yet it demands patience from its audience. It does not suit readers seeking straightforward plot-driven narratives or those skeptical of shamanic…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
📋 Editions by Carlos Castaneda in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Art of Dreaming | — | Mariner Books | 272 | 9780060925543 |
| The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge | 2016 | University of California P | 240 | 9780520290778 |
| The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge | 1985 | Washington Square Press | 256 | 9780671600419 |
| Power of Silence (Original) | 1991 | Washington Square Press | 288 | 9780671732486 |
| Journey to Ixtlan (Original) | 1991 | Washington Square Press | 272 | 9780671732462 |
| La El Arte de Ensonar (Harperlibros) = The Art of Dreaming (Harp | 1995 | Rayo | 304 | 9780060951559 |
