Should I read....?

[Snowdog]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

Snowdog, Don’t forget The History of Middle Earth 13: Index

The History of Middle Earth basically offers an insight into how the History of Middle Earth... hence the title. Its mostly alternate stories, poetry and how Christopher compiled it from all the different manuscripts that John Ronald left behind.
It did help me increase my enjoyment of the series, as I happen to like to know why certain things were placed where they were.

of course.. the index.
I have to say I started in on Lost Tales 1 and would doze, so never got far. I adid read the Lays, and some bits and pieces of others, but I find them to be more of a reference compilation than actual reading material.