The effect was always that of something very old, and very respectable, and very English.
Context: Howells describes his first impressions of Boston, marveling at its unique character and the sense of history it exuded, distinguishing it from his native Ohio.
He did not leave me alone with his fame; he seemed to wish to make me forget it.
Context: Howells reflects on his meeting with James Russell Lowell, who made the young writer feel at ease despite Lowell's immense literary reputation and Howells's initial trepidation.
He was a little, brisk, kindly man, and seemed to overflow with bonhomie.
Context: This is Howells's vivid first impression of Oliver Wendell Holmes, capturing the famous poet and essayist's energetic and amiable personality.
Hawthorne seemed to me very wonderful, but utterly inaccessible.
Context: Howells recounts his brief, somewhat awkward encounter with Nathaniel Hawthorne, expressing his profound admiration but also his sense of the older author's reserved and distant nature.
He asked me whether I liked the sea, and I told him I had never seen it.
Context: This is a rare instance of direct dialogue during Howells's meeting with Hawthorne, highlighting Hawthorne's sparse conversation and Howells's own provincial background.
The face was certainly one of the most benevolent and beautiful faces I have ever seen.
Context: Howells describes his initial reaction to Ralph Waldo Emerson, emphasizing the profound gentleness and wisdom he perceived in the transcendentalist's countenance.
He wore a rather long brown coat and a soft felt hat, and looked like a kindly old farmer.
Context: Howells paints a visual picture of Ralph Waldo Emerson, noting his simple, unpretentious attire and demeanor, which belied his immense intellectual stature.
He looked like a man who knew the woods.
Context: Howells observes Henry David Thoreau, immediately connecting Thoreau's physical appearance and presence with his well-known persona as a naturalist and solitary dweller.
He had a serious, rather severe face, which relaxed readily into a smile of winning sweetness.
Context: Howells describes the surprising contrast in Thoreau's expression, noting the underlying warmth and kindness that emerged from his otherwise stern demeanor.
The thing was to have seen them, and to know that they were not myths but men.
Context: Howells reflects on the overall impact of his visit, emphasizing the profound experience of encountering these literary giants in person and seeing them as real, approachable individuals.
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