Bilbo wrote:
This halfling easily handles the massive Red Book of Westmarch, but faugh say I on a tome which will most assuredly have to leave out various tidbits which would make this collection complete. With 2 (still massive) books we could be assured of the Balder mini, letter pages, original artworks, pin ups, etc. Even Tolkien (the plagerizer who copied word for word my nephew's contribution to the Red Book) had the good sense to divide his plagerized work into 3 books so as to be more manageable.


Aye, but the esteemed Prof. Tolkien only went along with his publisher's wants regarding the book being split into three due to some issue with paper (shortage, mayhap?) during WWII.

Bilbo wrote:
I fear what might be left out of one book. Not to mention the paper stock which might be used, as cheaper paper makes for a thinner book.


Cheap paper gives me pause... but haven't the other massive tomes been on decent paper?

Bilbo wrote:
Smaug's gym indeed. When do I have the time to visit such a place of toil? Are you suggesting I cut out secondsy breakfast or my midmorning snack just to have the time?


Cut out secondsies? Nay, I say! Rather, pick up a case of the new Lothlorien Power Cram Energy Bars. The special blend of oats, barley, and lembas will inspire you to go on extra long hikes 'round the Shire!