Bloomsbury released J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books in the United Kingdom.
The London-based independent publisher issued Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on 26 June 1997. The book was acquired after editor Barry Cunningham recognized its potential, and the company went on to publish the remaining six novels in the United Kingdom. Harry Potter’s success became a defining part of Bloomsbury’s publishing history.
Scholastic published the United States editions, beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 1998. That difference in publisher and title explains why international readers may see different cover designs, spelling conventions, and the word “Sorcerer” rather than “Philosopher.” Bloomsbury remains the key UK publishing name associated with the original novels.