Originally from New Zealand, Eric Arthur moved to Canada in September 1923 to teach design at the University of Toronto's School of Architecture.

"[24] In a 1966 review, art historian Alan Gowans writes that the book is "only incidentally about architecture", and is instead more concerned with the development of Toronto's personality.

[25] Gowans concludes that, "however scattered the research, it is there; no one will ever be able to write about Canadian culture again without consulting No Mean City, nor will anyone who has read it be able to walk Toronto streets again without its coming to mind.

"[26] In her 1982 obituary of Arthur, architecture critic Adele Freedman reflects that much of the writing in the book "is quite sloppy," but advises readers, "don't forget, he began all this. ...

[27] Canadian writer Susan Crean writes that when the book was being written Toronto was generally unappreciative of its art community.

[15] The book resulted in greater awareness of Toronto's architectural history and broader interest in preservation efforts,[18] helping to prevent the demolition of heritage buildings in the city.

[28] Architectural historian Michaelangelo Sabatino compares Arthur's resulting influence to Kenneth Clark, Lewis Mumford and Philip Johnson, though lacking the international audience.

In the book, Arthur advocates for the preservation of the view, advice the Toronto City Council accepted when the Urban Design Group redesigned the Market area in 1980–81.

Exhibition curator John Martins-Manteiga drew inspiration from Arthur's book, suggesting Toronto should reflect on its past rather than continuing to construct countless condos.