Saturday, April 24, 2010

What is the name of the coastal village or area in which the James Bond book "Moonraker" is set?

I believe the book contains Hugo Drax, a card cheater, and may describe a lighthouse. If anyone knows the name of the lighthouse I would be very grateful!

What is the name of the coastal village or area in which the James Bond book "Moonraker" is set?
Romney Marsh





MI6 Chief M, asks James Bond to observe Sir Hugo Drax, who is winning a lot of money playing bridge at Blades, M's favourite club; M suspects Drax to be a cheat. Although M claims indifference, he is concerned why a multi-millionaire, and national hero, such as Sir Hugo would cheat at a card game. Later, Bond confirms Drax's deception, and manages to 'cheat the cheater' 鈥?aided by a cocktail of powdered Benzedrine mixed with non-vintage champagne 鈥?winning 拢15,000 and infuriating the out-smarted Drax.





As it turns out, Drax is the backer of the 'Moonraker' missile project being built to defend the UK against its Cold War enemies (c.f. the real Blue Streak missile). Essentially, the Moonraker rocket is an upgraded V-2 rocket using liquid hydrogen and fluorine as propellants; it can withstand the ultra-high combustion temperatures in its engine thanks to the use of columbite, on which Drax has a monopoly. Therefore, because the rocket's engine can withstand higher heat, the Moonraker can use more powerful fuels, greatly expanding its effective range. Partly due to the card cheating episode, M orders Bond to infiltrate Drax's missile-building organization on Romney marsh on the coast of England. Once inside, Bond uncovers clues to a yet undiscovered plot to destroy London. Also, while working undercover Bond meets a beautiful agent called Gala Brand.


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