"In this book the distinguished Lebanese historian Kamal Salibi examines, in the light of modern scholarship, the historical myths on which his country's warring communities have based their conflicting visions of the Lebanese nation." "The Lebanese have always lacked a common vision of their past. From the beginning Muslims and Christians have disagreed fundamentally over their country's historical legitimacy. Both groups have used nationalist ideas in a destructive game which at a deeper level involves archic loyalties and tribal rivalries. But Lebanon cannot afford these conflicting visions if it is to develop and maintain a sense of political community. Instead it is necessary to distinguish fact from fiction and build on what is real in their common experience." "In the course of his exposition, Salibi offers a major reinterpretation of Lebanese history, and provides insights into the dynamic of Lebanon's recent conflict."--BOOK JACKET.