What name did the first US edition give J.K. Rowling’s Philosopher’s Stone?

The first US edition gave J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Scholastic published that American edition in 1998.

The British original was published by Bloomsbury in 1997 as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. “Philosopher’s Stone” refers to a legendary substance in alchemical tradition, commonly associated with transforming base metals into gold and producing an elixir of life.

The American publisher changed the title because editors believed “sorcerer” would be clearer and more attractive to US children. Some wording inside the book was also adjusted between British and American editions, including certain vocabulary choices.

The title difference can make references to book one appear to describe two separate novels, but they are editions of the same story. The film used the American title in the United States and the original title in many other countries, with corresponding changes in the spoken dialogue.