Citi of Books Presents “A Civil General” by Dr. David Stinebeck at the 78th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026

“A Civil General” by Dr. David Stinebeck and Scannell Gill is a historical novel based on the life and military career of General George Henry Thomas, one of the important Union commanders of the American Civil War. The novel presents Thomas through a fictionalized narrative while remaining grounded in the major events and circumstances of his life. Born and raised in Virginia, Thomas graduated from West Point and ultimately chose to fight for the Union despite coming from a Southern family. His decision resulted in his being disowned by his family and placed him in a complicated position during a war that divided the nation. The novel explores not only Thomas’s military accomplishments but also the personal convictions, relationships, sacrifices, and emotional burdens that accompanied his decision to remain loyal to the Union.

The novel takes its title from the remarkable career of a man who was once regarded as one of the most successful generals of the Civil War but who later became less familiar to the general public. Thomas’s military reputation was built through major Union victories and his ability to hold his forces together during extremely difficult moments. The story also looks beyond the battlefield, portraying his relationships with his soldiers, friends, and his independent and devoted wife. A young colonel who becomes Thomas’s confidante serves as the narrator, allowing readers to experience the general’s character, thoughts, grief, and determination through someone who knew him closely. Through this approach, Stinebeck and Gill transform a historical figure into a more personal and accessible character while examining the extraordinary pressures faced by a military leader attempting to preserve a divided country.

At the center of A Civil General is George Henry Thomas, a Virginian who makes the difficult decision to remain loyal to the United States when the Civil War begins. His choice is especially significant because his Southern background places him in direct conflict with his family’s expectations and loyalties. After graduating from West Point, Thomas develops into a respected military officer, eventually becoming one of the Union’s most dependable commanders. The novel follows his experiences through the war and explores his participation in some of its most consequential campaigns.

A Civil General is more than a military novel. It is a story about loyalty, conviction, leadership, sacrifice, and the difficult choices created by a divided nation. Through General George Henry Thomas, David Stinebeck and Scannell Gill explore what it means to remain committed to one’s principles even when that commitment carries a profound personal cost. The book’s combination of historical events, fictionalized storytelling, military action, and personal relationships makes it an engaging choice for readers of Civil War fiction and American history. It also provides an opportunity to rediscover a commander whose reputation was immense during his lifetime but whose story has received less popular attention than those of several of his contemporaries.

Citi of Books at the 78th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026 — showcasing stories from diverse voices and creating opportunities for authors and their books to reach new markets, connect with global audiences, and inspire readers beyond borders.