About this Event
A gripping exposé of deception, cult power, and the long shadow of Carlos Castaneda, the man behind the biggest literary hoax of the twentieth century.
Twenty years in the making, American Trickster: The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda unravels the story of the secretive faux-anthropologist who pulled off one of the greatest literary hoaxes in modern history. Both an investigation of the techniques employed by charismatic narcissists and a study of the cult dynamics that still shape American life, American Trickster defies conventional biography. It emerges as a chilling allegory for the Trump era, a trenchant critique of academia’s complicity in distorting and erasing Indigenous culture, and a deep dive into the mechanics of New Age spiritual abuse.
Join the Psychedelic Assembly on 6/5 for an author talk with Ru Marshall on this new book, in conversation with John Oakes author of The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy and Promise of Doing Without.
Doors open at 7pm and the the fireside will be begin appx 7:15pm so please arrive on time. The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of the book will be available to purchase and have signed. Psychedelic Assembly Members recieve 50% off of this, and all of our ticketed events.
ABOUT RU MARSHALL:
Ru Marshall is a nonbinary writer and visual artist. American Trickster, their biography of Carlos Castaneda, will be published by O/R Books in June 2026. Their novel, A Separate Reality, was released by Carrol and Graf in 2006 and was nominated for a Lambda Book Award. They are the recipient of the Hazel Rowley Prize from BIO, the Biographers International Organization, and they have twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Their work has appeared in Salon, N + 1 online, The Evergreen Review, The Barcelona Review, Another Chicago Magazine, Your Impossible Voice and elsewhere. Their visual work has been exhibited at Participant Inc., Studio 10 Gallery, Baxter Street, Art in General, White Columns, and numerous venues in the United States and Europe. They live in Brooklyn. www.rmarshallstudio.com.
ABOUT JOHN OAKES:
John Oakes is publisher of The Evergreen Review and co-founder of OR Books. He is the author of The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy and Promise of Doing Without (2025). His second book, Precious Metal: 79 Ways of Looking at Gold is forthcoming in 2027.
About The Psychedelic Assembly:
The Psychedelic Assembly is a member-supported community organization cultivating connection, education, and culture at the edge of expanded consciousness. Through events and creative programming, we aim to support the growth of authentic culture rooted in curiosity, care, human connection, and collective transformation.
Learn More:
https://www.thepsychedelicassembly.com/
Disclaimer: The Psychedelic Assembly is an educational, community-focused organization. We do not sell, supply, or facilitate access to any substances. Open solicitation, use, or distribution of substances, as well as disruptive or disrespectful behavior at any of our events, will not be tolerated.
These are private events, and we reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior compromises the safety or integrity of the space. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, grounded, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
222 E 46th St, 222 East 46th Street, New York, United States
USD 19.28
