Which novel begins J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone begins J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

The novel introduces Harry Potter as an orphan living with the Dursley family before he learns that he is a wizard. He then travels to Hogwarts, meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and discovers the hidden magical society. The book establishes major elements that continue through the series, including the rivalry between Harry and Lord Voldemort.

In the United States, the novel was published under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The change was made because the American publisher believed “sorcerer” would be clearer or more appealing to US readers. Both titles refer to the same first novel, not two different books.

The distinction between the titles is the main reason readers may give a seemingly different answer. The British and original title is Philosopher’s Stone, while Sorcerer’s Stone is the US title. The novel’s publication launched the seven-book sequence.