Talk:Moonrakers

First comment

I am rather puzzled that Moonraker doesn’t redirect here. I think that we are going to be remembered for much longer than the James Bond movie. —Ian Spackman 12:56, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

recent edits

I’ve reverted the recent changes, as they’re a bit POV (“generally believed..”? down Vizes mebbe… )
As far as I remember Whitlock mentioned several places that laid claim to the story, so a categorical statement is a bit presumptuous
I’ve re-drafted the new stuff to a more neutral tone; I hope that is acceptable. Xyl 54 (talk) 04:47, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

Yes, but there were strong and reliable sources attached. If you know of different versions, with equally strong citations, by all means include them as alternatives. Reinstating the citations, strengthened with quotes to demonstrate their relevance. --Old Moonraker (talk) 06:14, 2 September 2009 (UTC)

Fair enough, and the way it is now is OK; I just thought it needed a more neutral tone. Xyl 54 (talk) 12:41, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

You are right: the alternatives to Devizes weren't given enough space before, e. g. the Swindon Life ref: "many Wiltshire towns and villages which boast a pond laying claim". Are there references anywhere for a specific village? I--Old Moonraker (talk) 13:12, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

Whitlock mentioned some places; I'd have to track down a copy and check. I vaguely remember Cliffe Pypard, but I couldn't swear to it. Like it said, anywhere with a pond, probably. Slow's poem says it was at Cannings Bridge, and the barrels went into a river, not a pond, but that was written a long time after.

I think I was mindful that the moonrakers are a county thing, something that all Wiltshire people can identify with; and being too precise about where it actually happened (assuming it isn't from some C18th comedians stand-up routine) sort of cuts against that. But if I find anything I'll let you know. Xyl 54 (talk) 20:37, 3 September 2009 (UTC)

FYI

Somewhere there is a story about a dog(or such animal) with a fish in it's mouth beside a pond. It sees another fish in the water (real or imagined/reflected?) then proceeds to catch it, but, in its haste, loses the one it had and fails to capture the one in the water. Seems like the proverb - "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush"(where to try catching them is to risk losing all)but the Moonrakers,of course, has a different message perhaps saying to be more circumspect. JohnsonL623 (talk) 06:34, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

See The Dog and Its Reflection. Moonraker2 (talk) 08:25, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Bradley's transliteration

User:Moonraker2 points out that, as Bradley writes it, "The apostrophe before "as" is fanciful"—which it is—and 'ee should indeed be 'e. However as we are quoting him directly, we have to go with his version. I've now filled in some of the elisions, which should help. --Old Moonraker (talk) 10:14, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I couldn't agree more that we are quoting Bradley's version and should give it warts and all. My note on the fanciful apostrophe was what lawyers call obiter. The explanation Old Moonraker has added makes everything crystal clear to all, even vurriners. Moonraker2 (talk) 10:39, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

I agree that the quotation should be transcribed literally. If a compromise is called for, we could always mention in the footnote that Bradley’s orthography is a little eccentric. Your anonimised Moonraker, Ian Spackman (talk) 10:42, 10 May 2011 (UTC)

Good idea: footnote added.--Old Moonraker (talk) 16:28, 10 May 2011 (UTC)