Mary Platt Parmele penned The Evolution of an Empire, A Brief Historical Sketch Of France. The book offers a concise description of the significant events and personalities that affected French history from antiquity until the late 19th century The book is broken up into parts that discuss various periods in French history, such as the Roman conquest, Charlemagne's reign, the Hundred Years' War, Louis XIV's reign, and the French Revolution. Throughout her overviews of each time period, Parmele highlights the significant individuals, events, and social, economic, and political transformations that occurred. The book is arranged well and is simple to understand because to Parmele's clear and concise writing. Maps, drawings, and timelines are also included in the book to assist highlight important ideas and events. The Evolution of an Empire is a helpful introduction to French history that gives readers a comprehensive overview of the significant occasions and individuals who created the country. Even if the book's method and language are a little obsolete, anybody who is interested in learning about French history may benefit from using it.