In the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the world's most biodiverse areas, Pablo Fajardo and Luis Yanza lead one of the largest community-driven legal battles in history against global oil giant Chevron, demanding cleanup of the massive petroleum pollution wreaking havoc on the region. Chevron doesn't deny dumping formation waters or oil in the region, but says the resulting contamination has not harmed the inhabitants and it is not responsible for any cleanup. Fajardo and Yanza have been touring the country relentlessly, under significant risk, making the trial an issue of national dignity and sovereignty in anticipation of a final legal decision this year.

City Lights is proud to announce our forthcoming title, Crude Reflections: Oil, Ruin and Resistance in the Amazon Rainforest, which documents the physical and emotional reality of those affected by this toxic contamination, their struggle for justice, and also the story of their uplifting campaign to keep further oil drilling off their lands and out of the region. Sign up for a notice of the book's release in late May, and for related news.

Join us to celebrate the release of Crude Reflections on Thursday, May 29 at 7 pm. The Exposure Gallery (801 Howard St, San Francisco) will feature a one-night exhibition of photographs. The authors, along with a delegation from Ecuador, will be present to sign books and speak about the campaign.