What is the name of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book in the United States?

J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book is titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the United States.

The original British title was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Scholastic, the American publisher, changed “Philosopher’s” to “Sorcerer’s” before the US edition appeared in September 1998.

The alteration was made because editors thought “philosopher” might sound less exciting or less immediately understandable to American children. Rowling participated in the discussion and accepted the change, although she later described the decision as regrettable.

The story itself is the same novel: Harry learns that he is a wizard, attends Hogwarts, and discovers a plot involving the Philosopher’s Stone. Outside the United States, the original title remains standard, making the two subtitles a frequent source of confusion.