Carlos Castañeda

Carlose Castaneda was an American author, best known for his book series about his own training in shamanism. He was born in Peru in 1925 and moved to the United States in the 1950s to study anthropology. Castaneda's work is centered around his experiences with a man named don Juan Matus, who he claimed was a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge." The first book in the series, "The Teachings of Don Juan," was published in 1968 and quickly gained popularity, leading to a series of twelve books that have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages.

The controversy surrounding Castaneda's books revolves around the question of whether they are fact or fiction. The author and his work have always been shrouded in mystery, with Castaneda himself being a very private person. He rarely gave interviews and was known to be evasive when questioned about his past or the authenticity of his books. Despite the mystery, Castaneda's work has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the 1960s and 1970s and is considered one of the defining forces of the New Age movement.

Castaneda's books describe his training in shamanism and the teachings of don Juan in great detail, leading some to believe that they are based on real experiences. Others argue that the books are works of fiction, meant to explore philosophical and spiritual concepts. Regardless of their factual basis, Castaneda's books have inspired and influenced millions of readers around the world and continue to do so today, even after his death in California in 1998.