London has now become almost like a gigantic frog! With its long tongue it draws curious insects from all over the world inside itself!

Mehmut Murat Ildan (b.1965), William Shakespeare

London is like a smoky pearl set in a circle of emeralds.

William Henry Rideing (1853-1915), In the Land of Lorna Doone

London is like the tropical bush – if you don’t exercise constant care the jungle, in the shape of the slums, will break in.

John Buchan (1875-1940), The Three Hostages

London has the trick of making its past, its long indelible past, always a part of its present. And for that reason it will always have meaning for the future, because of all it can teach about disaster, survival, and redemption. It is all there in the streets.

Anna Quindlen (b.1953), Imagined London: A Tour of the World’s Greatest Fictional City, 2004

London is like a great bird-cage. She, that innocent, gentle and single-hearted, is fluttering in there along with other millions. She can’t get out. She’s at the mercy of any cold-eyed, rapacious brute who will get her into a corner.

Maurice Hewlett (1861–1923), Mrs. Lancelot