[HerenIstarion]

Have to be (not able not to be?) a little clumsy here:

A. Original thrill - oh yeah, I would have dearly liked to feel it once again. I remember how it was in first reading, and I remember what if felt like to see scraps of other writings published/circulated from hand to hand in amateur translations.

B. Yet, I would not like to have volumes upon volumes explaining everything (literally) from botanies to astronomy (per aspera ad astra, heh). On the other hand, I do not normally read everything there is written about this, primary world, so that seems natural - I'm interested in certain things and not at all in others. (Per instance, I would dearly love to read more about Gandalf, but I would not care to look at hobbit genealogies. So, to be more precise, I would like to have said volumes, but I would not read them all, or, maybe I'll be tempted to, but than it will be selective reading - when (and if I manage to) I'm through with Gandalf, than bring in the genealogies, if you follow my meaning.

C. As for Bb's point, it seems quite valid one to me, as I do not see external/internal distinction you make, guys - it's all in the head, now ain't it? Quite often certain members here have given me insights on things I thought of in different manner/haven't thought at all before and thus made me reread some passages or entire volumes again. Good half (or good nine tenths more likely) of my posting here is reaction to what my co-Downers have to say on Tolkien's Middle-Earth (or even, on their own version of Middle-Earth) than to what Tolkien himself had to say about it. Interaction with Tolkien is more direct in a way - I rather feel/appreciate/listen/go along/enjoy than think per se about ME when I settle down to read for reading's sake. Than I do not need discussion board. It is good afterwards, when evaluation/understanding etc is what i'm after. It is my version of ME I share here, and that now is in permanent state of altering under your (Downers) influence. Or to try and clarify it a little bit more - reading a book and talking about it we truly do different things, but both are part of the fun for sure? I was very lonely when nobody round me have heard about Tolkien, let alone reading, let alone being crazed with him. I don't suppose I would have given ME up even if I were lone inhabitant of an island, but I feel so much more alive for being able to talk about him now, that it is part of the whole thing for me now.