Mary Platt Parmele

Mary Platt Parmele was an American historian and writer, born in Albany, New York, on July 14, 1843. She was educated in New York and came from a prominent family: her father, Zephaniah Platt, served as Michigan attorney general, and her grandfather Jonas Platt was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

She began publishing philosophical pieces and short stories in the 1890s, but she became best known for concise history books written for general readers. Among her most recognized works are A Short History of England, Ireland, and Scotland, A Short History of France, A Short History of Rome and Italy, A Short History of Russia, A Short History of Spain, and A Short History of the United States.

Parmele died in 1911. Her writing is still remembered for its straightforward, readable approach to world history, especially in books designed to introduce broad subjects without overwhelming the reader.