The N.P. Goulandris Collection of Early Cycladic art is the most notable in private hands and is unrivaled by any museum outside Greece. It contains over 200 objects, including many fine Cycladic figurines, as well as marble vessels, pottery and metalwork. The first Cycladic figurines acquired by travelers in Greece in the nineteenth century were described as 'rude','grotesque' and 'barbaric'. Yet now they are admired all over the world. They are the earliest sculptures from Greek Iands, but their simple form and purity of line speak directly to the modern eye. The introductory chapters by Professors, Renfrew and Doumas survey the historical and cultural background to the Collection, and discuss styles, materials and techniques. A short essay by Dr. P. Getz-Preziosi introduces a sculptor who created masterpieces over four thousand years ago. Three of his finest works are in the Collection and he is now known as the Goulandris Master. Christos Doumas is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Athens. He has worked in the Cyclades for many years, and has had a long and close association with the Goulandris Collection, which he was the first to catalogue in 1968.