What is the original United Kingdom title of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel?

The original United Kingdom title of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Bloomsbury published the novel in Britain in 1997 with “Philosopher’s Stone” in the title. When Scholastic prepared the American edition, the title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The change was made because the publisher believed “sorcerer” would be more immediately understandable to American children.

The story itself is the same novel, although some wording was adjusted between British and American editions. This is why readers may encounter two correct titles for the first Harry Potter book. The British title refers to the legendary philosopher’s stone, a substance traditionally associated with transforming base metals and pursuing immortality.

The title difference is one of the best-known publication variations in the series and is not a difference between two separate stories.