What was the original title of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter manuscript before publication?

J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript was published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The title was used for the British edition released in 1997.

The story had earlier working-title history during its development, but “Philosopher’s Stone” became the canonical British title for the first published novel. It refers to the legendary alchemical substance sought by Nicholas Flamel and protected at Hogwarts. In the plot, the stone can produce the Elixir of Life and transform metals into gold.

American editions changed the title to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This can cause confusion when readers compare bibliographies or film references, but the two editions contain the same core story. The film also used the American title in the United States and the British title in many other markets.