What is the name of the first Harry Potter novel by J.K. Rowling?

The first Harry Potter novel by J.K. Rowling is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Bloomsbury published the book in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997. It introduces Harry as an orphan living with the Dursleys before he learns that he is a wizard and receives an invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

At Hogwarts, Harry becomes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Together they investigate the mystery surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary object associated with Nicholas Flamel and the possibility of producing the Elixir of Life.

The book’s American edition was renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This alternate title is the main source of confusion when identifying the first installment. The sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published in 1998, beginning the rapid annual expansion of the series.