Gnapheus, Wilhelm. Acolastus. De filio prodigo comoedia inscripta. 39 Bl. With woodcut printer brand. 15 x 9.5 cm. Newer parchment volume using a contemporary manuscript sheet. Cologne, Martin Gymnich, 1546. VD16 ZV 22126. – Fourth Cologne print by Gymnich, the first print of the Latin school comedy Acolastus by the Dutch humanist Wilhelm Gnapheus (1493-1568) was published in Antwerp in 1529. For the development of the humanist-bourgeois theatre system fundamental drama, which was widely spread and is one of the most successful plays of the Protestant school theatre. "(It) influenced many later 'produgus' dramas, even the Catholic religious drama. Like Burkhard Waldis, Gnapheus resorted to the story of the prodigal son, but avoided denominational polemics. It was his intention, in terms of form, to cover the Christian moral content with the dramaturgy of the ancient comedy. He took over role models for language, plot motifs and figures (Schmaroitzer, Hetar) from Terenz. The pedagogical goal was underlined by realistic scenes (e.g. taverns) with which the various sins and vices (disobedience, work shyness, luxury, sexus, card game) were presented as a threat to a life order founded in the patriarchal family" (Killy IV, 180f.). – Title tanned, somewhat flaky and with small marginal lesions, initially with faded moisture edge in the bow. Study copies with numerous annotations and interlinear glosses of a contemporary reader.