Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (US: Sorcerer's Stone)
1997
Core book
Best place to start. The UK title is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; the US edition is Sorcerer's Stone.
Harry Potter Publication Order
The seven core Harry Potter novels in publication and story order, followed by the optional Cursed Child stage-play script.
Begin with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, called Sorcerer's Stone in the United States, and read the seven novels in publication order. Cursed Child follows Deathly Hallows but is an optional stage-play script rather than part of the core novel sequence.
Related reading guides
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Ready to begin?
Start with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (US: Sorcerer's Stone)
The recommended first purchase for this reading order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there seven or eight Harry Potter books?
The core story consists of seven novels. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an official later story presented as a stage-play script, so this guide lists it after Deathly Hallows as optional continuation material.
Are Philosopher's Stone and Sorcerer's Stone different books?
No. They are different UK and US titles for the same first novel. Start with whichever edition is available to you.
Do I need the companion books or Fantastic Beasts?
No. The seven novels form a complete first-read route. The Hogwarts Library books and Fantastic Beasts screenplays are optional branches for readers who want more of the Wizarding World.
