J.K. Rowling’s fantasy novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in 1997. Bloomsbury released the book in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997. It introduced Harry Potter, an orphan who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard.
The novel follows Harry’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The story also establishes the conflict with Lord Voldemort, whose attempted murder of Harry created the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
The book was titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States. Scholastic changed the title because “philosopher’s stone” was thought less familiar to American readers. The American edition appeared in 1998, so the two English-language editions have different publication years.
The novel’s success launched a seven-book series and a major film franchise. Its first film adaptation was released in 2001.