What is the name of the first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in its original UK edition?

The first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in its original UK edition. The book was published by Bloomsbury in 1997 and begins Harry’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

For the first American edition, Scholastic changed the title to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The change is why both titles are widely recognized, even though they refer to the same novel. The word “philosopher” was considered less immediately understandable or marketable to some American readers, so “sorcerer” was selected for that edition.

The Philosopher’s Stone is a legendary object in the novel that can transform base metals into gold and produce the Elixir of Life. In the story, Nicholas Flamel is identified as the stone’s creator and owner. These details connect the fantasy plot to European alchemical traditions.

The UK title is the canonical original title. “Sorcerer’s Stone” is not a separate eighth or alternate story; it is the title used for editions in the United States and some other markets.