The Evolution of an Empire: A Brief Historical Sketch of England

by Mary Platt Parmele

"The Evolution of an Empire: A Brief Historical Sketch of England" by Mary Parmele is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work aims to outline the major developments and influences that have shaped England's history, focusing particularly on themes like religion and economics, which Parmele identifies as central to the nation's evolution and the resistance against oppression throughout its past. The beginning of the book introduces readers to the earliest facts of England's history, emphasizing geological insights and the prehistoric peoples who inhabited the region. Parmele discusses the invasion by Julius Caesar and the subsequent Roman occupation, leading to significant changes in social structure and culture. She paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by the native Britons against Roman rule, detailing key figures like Boadicea, who epitomized resistance. This foundational narrative sets the stage for understanding the complex interweaving of cultures and conflicts that define England's journey, as highlighted through various invasions and settlements that followed the Roman period, leading to a more unified England under its Saxon leaders.