Thanks for the info, guys.
I'm with you, AntcuFaalb. Seems that anytime I ask someone in the know to explain something about the prequels, I always get "well, to really appreciate and understand it, you gotta read this set of comics and watch these cartoons and play with these toys." The books and other media surrounding the OT was never necessary information vital to the plot of the films. The films should make sense on their own.