Before the advent of radar, the highest vantage point on a ship was the Crow's Nest, from where a sailor could get a sweeping view of the sea miles around. Having risen to the Crow's Nest of the Indian Navy after a distinguished career spanning 40 years, Admiral Arun Prakash, in this unique tour d' horizon, shares his views and experiences on a wide variety of issues concerning maritime and national security. This eclectic panorama of articles and speeches rendered in India and abroad, by one of the most respected and articulate Chiefs that the Indian Navy has had, provides unique and incisive insights on a wide range of subjects. Gleaned from his considerable repertoire, this selection touches on issues such as Maritime Power, Defense Finance and Planning, Shipbuilding, Defense RandD, Higher Defense Management, Jointmanship, and others all of immense contemporary significance and concern. They offer as much to the inquisitive uninitiated as to Servicemen and hard-nosed defense analysts eager for "horse's mouth" version on matters of national security.

With his vast surface ship and aviation experience, and varied command and staff exposure at significant levels which includes Joint Service appointments, the Admiral is ideally equipped to deal authoritatively with a host of issues and topics. He is refreshingly frank and forthcoming in his views, and pulls no punches. Reflective and provocative in turns, his writing and speeches besides being topical make most stimulating reading.