Re: Latitude and longitude


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Start New Thread ] [ TarBoard ]

Posted by Robert Dilley on September 01, 1998 at 14:39:03:

In Reply to: something that has always bugged me.... posted by steve on September 01, 1998 at 10:14:11:

Not only is longitude 200 impossible under our system, but latitude 7 would mean a very long Winter Holiday.... Further, neither makes geographical sense without direction (lat N or S; long E or W).
The numbers were added following the comment (from Titty? I don't have the book to hand) that proper maps have lat and long, and the numbers were made up on the spot for the sake of "authenticity" as the Swallows saw it.
In the broader context, this is part of the general downplaying of school learning that pervades much of the stories (and which doubtless adds much to their appeal to most kids!) Dick, when he appears, is the exception (and is one reasom why I like Pigeon Post most of all the books). Even in his case it is clear that the rest of them rate the ability to DO things (especially to sail) above the ability to KNOW things -- even Dick's knowledge is usually more a figure of fun than respect.
Although an academic myself, I do not find this detracts from my enjoyment: this attitude reflects reality -- most kids admire the football (of whatever kind) hero over the egghead. I think it does explain the cavalier attitude towards geographical location (for those with a passion for accuracy 54 deg 19 min North, 3 deg 05 min West would be about right).


Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Existing subject (please edit appropriately) :

Comments:

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

post direct to TarBoard test post first


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TarBoard ]