The General (also known as the Raj Whitehall series, after the lead character) is a set of military science fiction books written by S. M. Stirling from an outline by David Drake. Clearly inspired by the Byzantine commander Belisarius, the series shares numerous common elements with the more recent Belisarius series by Drake and Eric Flint. Books Warlord, Conqueror, The Chosen, The Reformer, and The Tyrant are available online, for free, at The Fifth Imperium website in the When The Tide Rises CD. Original series Bellevue series Centering on Raj Ammenda Halgern da Luis Whitehall written by S. M. Stirling and David Drake. The Forge (1991) The Hammer (1992) The Anvil (1993) The Steel (1993) The Sword (1995) The first two books were also published as an omnibus Warlord (2003), which was reissued as Hope Reborn (March 2013). The last three in another omnibus as Conqueror (2003). The second two books were published as an omnibus Hope Rearmed (March 2014). The final novel was published with "The Chosen" in an omnibus as Hope Renewed (July 2014). Follow-on series Visigar series The Chosen (1996) written by S. M. Stirling and David Drake. This was republished in an omnibus with "The Sword" as Hope Renewed (July 2014). Hafardine series The Reformer (1999) written by S. M. Stirling and David Drake. The Tyrant (2002) written by Eric Flint and David Drake. These were republished in an omnibus as Hope Reformed (November 2014). Duisberg series The Heretic (April 2013; Tony Daniel & David Drake) The Savior (September 2014; Tony Daniel & David Drake) Bellevue series Plot The first five books are set on the planet Bellevue, previously part of a high-technology galactic civilization (the Federation). Interstellar civilization collapsed during "The Fall", when extensive civil war greatly reduced the planet's technology level. Technology has redeveloped only slowly: the most advanced groups have reached the level of double-expansion steam engines, wrapped-brass-cartridges, breech-loading rifles (Martini-Henry lock or very similar) and lever-action carbines, cast-steel breech-loading cannon, simple revolvers, etc. Progress is slow: the breech-loading rifle design has not changed for over two hundred years, and other groups still use flintlock or percussion cap weapons. The concept of computer technology has become the basis of religion throughout the world, the Spirit of Man, with priestly Hierarchs, Sysups, and an Inquisition called the Anti-Viral Cleansers. This religion is split into two competing sects: The Spirit of Man of the Stars,