I got the info from Rex. He gave me his Baldur's Gate Manual to find out how to spell Faerun (LOL) and showed me the side notes signed by Elminster. He had all the info I posted. I would imagine that hardcore D&D fans (such as he) know most of, if not all, the facts. I had never heard of Elminster, but then too, I am not a hardcore D&D fan nor have I played any of the Baldur's Gate games.
Moni