‘Canonicity’: the Book or the Reader?

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

They are not looking for what Tolkien means to say, but are stating what Tolkien means to them.

The latter does not preclude the former. Indeed, the former is likely to be a significant (and, in many cases, decisive) influence on the latter.

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Surely none of the Reader's Rights camp should have participated in them- at least not with great heat. After all, if Tolkien's intention as to whether or not the Balrog in the "Fellowship" has wings, then why should they participate, seeing as they believe that Readers' Insights trump Authorial Intent?

Precisely. Balrog's have wings ...

... if you want them to.