Sir, the spirits which I have in London make me do every thing with more readiness and vigour. I can talk twice as much in London as any where else.

James Boswell (1740-1795)

How London doth pour out her citizens.

William Shakespeare (1567-1616), Henry V

London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.

G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936), All Things Considered

London, thou art of townes A per se. / Soveraign of cities, seemliest in sight, / Of high renoun, riches and royaltie; / Of lordis, barons, and many a goodly knyght; / Of most delectable lusty ladies bright; / Of famous prelatis, in habitis clericall; / Of merchauntis full of substaunce and of myght: / London, thou art the flour of Cities all.

William Dunbar (c.1456-c.1513)

To a lover of books, the shops and sales in London present irresistible temptations.

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794)