During 1998 is celebrated the fourth centenary of the death of Philip II, long thought the most controversial of Spanish monarchs but considered by modern historians to have ruled with some wisdom. His reign saw the apogee of the Spanish monarchy, in particular during the period after he was declared King of Portugal, when there arose the saying that the sun never set on Spain. As the dominant European power, Spain under Philip II had necessarily to be active on many fronts; the decisions of that time shaped the politics, religion and culture of the modern world.

Aware of the importance of this great monarch, Testimonio Compañía Editorial has decided to record the events of his reign by launching an ambitious special collection entitled The World of Philip II, which by presenting facsimiles (almost counterfeits) and scientific studies of the books and key documents of the period, will bring that period alive to today's readers.

With the colossal Spain of Philip II as a starting point, Testimonio will present a number of different sections which will consider: relations with other European powers, in particularly the union with Portugal; the development of Spanish America and the Spanish presence in the Philippines and Japan; the defence of Christendom against the Turkish Empire; Spain's role in the Council of Trent, and finally, the rich and complex world of culture, which by the inspiration of the king, reached heights never before imagined, as symbolised by the Escorial Monastery and its Library.