What was the first Harry Potter novel called in the United Kingdom?

The first Harry Potter novel was called Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the United Kingdom.

Bloomsbury published the book in Britain on 26 June 1997. It introduces Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers that he is a wizard and begins studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

For the American edition, Scholastic changed the title to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The change was made because the publisher believed that “sorcerer” would be clearer or more appealing to American readers. The story itself is substantially the same, despite the title difference and some wording changes.

The title refers to the legendary stone that can produce the Elixir of Life and turn metals into gold. Nicolas Flamel, a real historical figure, appears in the story as the stone’s creator. The book launched one of the best-selling fantasy series in publishing history.