'In Mr. McCarthy's novels we are always certain of finding humour, delicate characterisation, and an interesting story; but they are chiefly attractive, we think, by the evidence they bear upon every page of being written by a man who knows the world well, who has received a large and liberal education in the university of life. In "The Dictator" Mr. McCarthy is in his happiest vein. The life of London—political, social, artistic—eddies round us. We assist at its most brilliant pageants, we hear its superficial, witty, and often empty chatter, we catch whiffs of some of its finer emotions.... The brilliantly sketched personalities stand out delicately and incisively individualised. Mr. McCarthy's light handling of his theme, the alertness and freshness of his touch, are admirably suited to the picture he paints of contemporary London life.'—Daily News.

'"The Dictator" is bright, sparkling, and entertaining.... Few novelists are better able to describe the political and social eddies of contemporary society in the greatest city in the world than Mr. McCarthy; and this novel abounds in vivid and picturesque sidelights, drawn with a strong and simple touch.'—Leeds Mercury.

'This is a pleasant and entertaining story.... A book to be read by an open window on a sunny afternoon between luncheon and tea.'—Daily Chronicle.

'Mr. McCarthy's story is pleasant reading.'—Scotsman.

'As a work of literary art the book is excellent.'—Glasgow Herald.

'"The Dictator" is bright, sparkling, and entertaining. The book might almost be described as a picture of modern London. It abounds in vivid and picturesque sidelights, drawn with a strong touch.'—Leeds Mercury.

'In "The Dictator" the genial leader of the Irish party writes as charmingly as ever. His characters are as full of life, as exquisitely portrayed, and as true to nature as anything that is to be found in fiction, and there is the same subtle fascination of plot and incident that has already procured for the author of "Dear Lady Disdain" his select circle of admirers.... The nicety of style, the dainty wholesome wit, and the ever-present freshness of idea that pervade it render the reading of it a positive feast of pleasure. It is the work of a man of the world and a gentleman, of a man of letters, and of a keen observer of character and manners.'—Colonies and India.