[ Honre de Balzac / Eve and David ]
Honoré de Balzac (1799 - 1850) is one of the major figures of 19th Century French literary culture; his novels and plays are known for their highly realistic and nuanced portrayals of a broad range of human characters.
This work was first published in 1843; it is the third and final part of Balzac's serial novel Lost Illusions (Ilusions Perdues) (1837 - 1843).
There's one metaphorical reference to Newfoundlands in this story, referencing their well-known skill for rescuing:
"Oh! madame, do let him go," begged Marion. "He is only thinking of saving his master; he hasn't another thought in his head. Kolb is not an Alsacien, he is — eh! well — a regular Newfoundland dog for rescuing folk."