Stevens cuts to the very heart of assumptions about architecture and architects, holds them up fro critical study, and then exposes the lack of foundation for many cherished beliefs... the writing is clear and succinct, the theory well-articulated and appropriate, and the treatment of other studies fair and thorough.
Diance Ghirardo, University of Southern California
Gary Stevens X-rays the architectural profession, going way beneath the surface to uncover its underlying value system—and what really makes it tick. His incisive, cross-cultural analysis should be recommended reading for anyone interested in examining the architectural mystique.
Kathryn H. Anthony, School of Architecture, Department of Landscape ARchitecture, and Women's Studies Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Over 500 years and much of the western world, The Favored Circle analyzes the lived experience of architects, pulling out patterns that make sense of it all. In clear language, Garry Stevens enlists theory and research to reshape our views of practice, education, and the evolution of architecture. This provocative portrait unravels the social logic of the architectural profession. In its most compelling argument, The Favored Circle explicates the cultural construction of architectural creativity and even genius. Stevens joins a notable, growing group of sociologists examining architecture (including Blau, LArson, and Gutman), to the benefit of practitioners, educators and students. The book is a real contribution to the field.
Dana Cuff, Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, UCLA
