A history of the Druze community using an interdisciplinary approach to describe, analyze, and explain historical events and processes. Offers a brief introduction to the early history of the Druzes; examines the period of decline of the Druzes in Lebanon and the emergence of their new center of settlement in Hawran; studies the situation of the Druze community during the years 1860-1914; and considers the repercussions of the mandate system on the socio-political situation of the Druze community. The post-1946/48 years are dealt with in a short concluding section which surveys the Druze communities in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.