Why was the name changed to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in London?

Answer 1

The whole novel is about someone trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone.

Note: The original English title 'Philosopher's Stone'become 'Sorcerer's Stone' in the American translation.

Answer 2

Yes, when released in the UK in 1997 the book was called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. For the US release a year later the title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as the publisher didn't believe American children would know what a philosopher was. J.K. Rowling suggested the word sorcerer and it was agreed that sounded more exciting.

Rowling stated later that she would have fought the change had she been in a stronger position at the time.

Answer 3

The original title is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the US release.