As a newspaper editor and efficient promoter of contemporary literature Ernst Keil made history as a publisher. He took position in his writings and satires about actual grievances, therefore these were often prohibited.

That led to the arrest and an imprisonment in 1852. During his custody he decided to publish a „Volksblatt“ („nation gazette“). In January 1853 the journal „Gartenlaube" was published for the first time which made Ernst Keil famous.