Re-reading the whole series before reading the new book?

Often when a book comes out in a series that I really enjoy, I will go back and read the entire series in the months leading up to the new book. I did not do that for "Hunters of Dune" but I certainly considered it. I probably should have re-read "Heretics of Dune" and "Chapterhouse: Dune" first.

Why do I do this? First, because in a good series the plots and characters can get complicated and if I have not read the previous books recently then I will miss some of the subtle points. I find that I get more of a book in a series when I have the previous books fresh in my memory. But I also do it for the pure pleasure of reading good books and savoring them.

But there are not that many series now that I would consider doing that for - "Song of Fire and Ice" by George R.R. Martin, the "Harry Potter" books, and after that I am not sure. I love Colleen McCollough's series on Caesar and the Romans but I am pretty sure it is complete - I will definitely read that again whether a new one comes out or not.