LotR - Foreword

[Durelin]

I've ruined their lives

I've never seen that quote before, but I can certainly imagine Tolkien saying that. Most likely this comes from his wit, but he's also making a good point, if not seriously. Really, I think he's just commenting on how seriously these readers have taken his story. And that does not at all call for seriousness on his part! Perhaps he could say the same things about us...

consider the various definitions of 'ruined' in the OED

Oh dear, it haunts us once again...