August Heinrich Julius Lafontaine (5 October 1758 – 20 April 1831) was a German novelist.

He became canon of the Magdeburg Cathedral as a reward for the dedication of one of his books to Friedrich Wilhelm III and Luise.

[2][3] The popularity of his novels, which are sentimental and didactic tales of domestic life, was remarkable.

[3] His novels' tone of conservative moralizing sentimentality was regarded with high favor at the court of Prussia.

[4] Far less impressed was August Wilhelm Schlegel, writing in Athenaeum in May 1798: "He has indeed become a favourite writer.