The great essays are great even if over a half century old. The reason for the rating is the not so great essays. Good try in finding something special in Gandy but ultimately not convincing. The Butterfield essay didn't seem thought through enough, downplays Pugin and doesn't really address the influence of the Camden Society in relationship to architectural thought. But, it could be a good essay if expanded . The main essay Heavenly Mansions on Gothic was cute and needed to be more developed on the house/temple idea. There is allot there. He really down plays Suger's thoughts and how it changed architecture. But that would be contrary to his thesis. It is amazing reading the Modern and preservation essays on how much he was a thought leader. He is still a classicist at heart. And his elitism does come through. Just read the Past in the Future to really feel that aspect. ( )