Conditions of a Solitary Bird is an updated version of Gordon Richiusa's Master of Arts English Literature thesis written over 50 years prior to this publication. The original thesis followed the Total Critical Analysis method to analyze the first four books of Carlos Castaneda which included 1) Teachings of Don Juan A Yaqui Way of Knowledge, 2) Second Ring Of Power, 3) Journey to Ixtlan, and 4) Tales of Power. The series of books claiming Castaneda authorship eventually totaled more than one dozen. These books are now briefly summarized for the student within this single text. In addition, an essay by Kumu Michelle Manu has been donated to the non-profit publisher for this edition as well as additional pages on applying principles learned in these books to everyday life without the burden of becoming a sorcerer.