Creator's law was enacted rather late in German speaking states and the economic historian Eckhard Hffner argues that the absence of possibilities to maintain copyright laws in all these states in the early 19th century, encouraged the publishing of low-priced paperbacks for the masses. This was profitable for authors and led to a proliferation of books, enhanced knowledge, and was ultimately an important factor in the ascendency of Germany as a power during that century.[32] After the introduction of creator's rights, German publishers started to follow English customs, in issuing only expensive book editions for wealthy customers.[33]