Synopsis:
In the first complete account of the Druze, Robert Brenton Betts provides a general survey of the history, traditions, and society of this secretive Arab sect. Betts, who has spent a great deal of time with the Druze, interweaves his firsthand observations with a wealth of primary and secondary sources, describing not only their thousand-year history but also their political significance in today’s Middle East.
“A deeply informed, brightly written account of the Druze that will be read with profit by students of Middle East history, politics, religion, and anthropology as well as by everyone with an interest in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.”―Michael C. Hudson, Georgetown University
“A broad and exotic historical view.”―Jewish Chronicle
“A most illuminating essay.”―Choice
“An excellent introduction to the study of the Druze.... Betts adds an extra flavor to his study by providing personal impressions based on his first-hand knowledge of the Druze villages and towns in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.”―Marius Deeb, Middle East Journal
“A first-rate authoritative general survey.”―John Clark, Theological Book Review
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:
The name Druze (in Arabic Duruz, meaning Druzes) was given to the community by outsiders based on the name of al-Darazi, an early convert who came to Cairo in the year 1015, joined the missionary ranks, and was eventually killed or executed in 1019. The Druze manuscripts consider him an apostate and refer to members of the community as Unitarians (Muwwahhidun) or People of Unitarianism (Ahl al-Tawhid). The Druzes are also known as Sons of Mercy or Sons of Beneficence (Banu Maʿruf)....
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