What was the UK publication date of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel?

J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was published in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997.

Bloomsbury released the book under the title Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The novel introduced Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and the wizarding world to readers.

The American edition appeared in 1998 under a different title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This title change is why publication dates and book titles are sometimes mixed up in international references.

The first edition had a comparatively modest initial print run, but strong word of mouth helped the book become a major publishing success. Six further main-series novels followed.