What was the original UK title of the first Harry Potter novel before its American retitling?

The original UK title was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Published in Britain in 1997, the novel introduces Harry Potter, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The title refers to the legendary stone that can produce the Elixir of Life and transform metal into gold.

When the book was prepared for the United States market, Scholastic changed the title to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The change was intended to make the magical reference clearer to American children, because “philosopher’s stone” was considered less familiar to some readers there.

The title difference applies mainly to the book and its film adaptation in the United States. The story, characters and plot are otherwise the same. This is why international readers may encounter both titles for Rowling’s first Harry Potter adventure.