Dean Thomas founded Thomas Publications in 1986 in order to produce quality books on important historical topics and offer them to readers without the trappings of the large publishing and bookselling industry. Eighteen years later, Thomas now offers nearly 200 titles on the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, as well as other important historical topics. In addition, Thomas produces and distributes meaningful educational and interpretive materials for schools, museums, and historic sites. Members of the Thomas Publications "family" are active in preservation groups such as the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg, Friends of the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as Eastern National, the Company of Military Historians, Confederate Memorial Literary Society, the Center for Civil War Photography, and the Museum Store Association. The authors at Thomas Publications represent diverse backgrounds and interests. They include Ph.D.s, park rangers, park historians, licensed battlefield guides, and many more recognized experts. They have appeared on CNN, CSPAN, A&E’s Civil War Journal series and in documentaries and videos too numerous to list. Signed Books & Author Programs At times we have a limited number of books signed by the author in our inventory. Please ask about the availability of these author-signed books if you are interested. Also, many of our authors are willing and available to make presentations and sign books for your group or event; we will be glad to help make arrangements. The Bullet Frequently we are asked about our Thomas Publications logo. It is a line drawing of a Civil War-era .58 caliber rifle musket bullet, commonly called the "Minie ball." This bullet was developed in the mid 1850s and was the typical bullet used during the American Civil War.