This is truly the definitive reference on the modern merchant marine and serves as the companion volume for the author's prior work "The United States Merchant Shipping Industry during the Twentieth Century: A History (1990)". Every imaginable topic related to this industry is covered in surprising detail. An extremely accurate index, cross referencing within the text and a useful bibliography adds further value to this work. While it is an expensive volume compared to most, for someone with more than just a casual interest in the merchant marine, it's a must for your private library.