I agree. A window onto another world. People who posess great wealth and talent. I didn't realize Philip Johnson was so connected. How do these people recognize that special something in the young? Or is it just a crap shoot? The phrase "winners of life's lottery" comes to mind, but I (at least) have no doubt that these people are for real, if only because of the "staying power" of their vision.
As to the question of MoMA's somewhat astringent attitude toward the memoir, perhaps the byzantine nature of their vast quid pro quo network, which spans continents and generations, perhaps makes the "no comment" position the safest one for all concerned.
Excellent article, RP, and thanks for posting it.
(steely)
Tom -- Philip Johnson had an apartment right next to MoMA. So he put his rent money where his mouth was!