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Why was the name of the first Harry Potter book changed? (Philosopher's Stone vs Sorcerer's Stone)

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone vs Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

 

So why did the name change?

It dates back to when the rights were sold for the first book: Scholastic Corporation bought the U.S. publishing rights for what was then known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, forking out a comparably high $105,000 for the privilege. It was changed by the American publisher, Scholastic, because it thought American children wouldn't want to read a book with "philosopher" in the title. Eventually, the author suggested Sorcerer's Stone, and that's how the book is known in the U.S. market where Scholastic had the rights.

Other quotes from around the world;

"The publisher thought "Sorcerer" would better convey the magical tone of the series. So uninformed children would know it's about a wizard, not a philosopher."
" Because apparently they thought Americans wouldn't know what a philosopher's stone is..."

 

Rowling2Cover.jpg.81e91d668aaa5ca8b0bd114e11ec5ba3.jpg


Rowling later admitted in a web chat for BBC Red Nose Day in 2001 that she regretted the decision. When asked if it bothered her that the name of the book had been changed in the U.S., she wrote that

"they changed the first title, but with my consent. To be honest, I wish I hadn't agreed now, but it was my first book, and I was so grateful that anyone was publishing me I wanted to keep them happy ..."

 

What name do you prefer?

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