This new book tells the remarkable story of the design and construction of the many merchant ships that not only contributed to their country�s war efforts, but were also responsible for a cultural change in world shipbuilding that would lay the foundations for the post-war industry. Some of the story has been told piecemeal in a range of diverse books and articles, a few with extensive fleet lists; however, the complete history of the twentieth century wartime-built standard merchant ship has not previously been written, so this new volume recording that history within its appropriate technical, political, and military background will be hugely welcomed.