General is the opposite of specific, whereas generic refers to something which has no unique features. To use the book example, a general geography book would be one without a particular focus on one area, while a generic geography book would be the same as every other book out there.

Generic: refers to products and or drugs that have no brand name and are not trademarked, hence manufacturer is unknown. It is the opposite of unique. for example: She complained that there were too many generic make up products in the market. General: involving or relating to most or all people, things, places. It is the opposite of specific. for example; General elections in Kenya are held after every five years.

I believe generic is traditional and General is a norm.