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Cover of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Fantasy· United Kingdom

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling
Aggregate Editorial Score46/100
BBC Big Read
Published 1997302 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of fantasy have earned the sustained critical attention that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) by J.K. Rowling continues to receive. Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he will find friendship, adventure, and the first clues about the dark wizard who killed his parents. Rowling's beloved debut launched one of the greatest publishing phenomena of all time. Themes of magic, friendship, identity run through the work. The book has received recognition from BBC Big Read 1997.

Book Details

AuthorJ.K. Rowling
Published1997
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages302
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN9780439708180
Editorial Score46/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

Explore all Fantasy books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1997, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a work of fantasy that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with magic, friendship, identity, good vs. evil gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: BBC Big Read 1997. Its aggregate editorial score of 46/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of magic, friendship, identity, good vs. evil is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone reflects J.K. Rowling's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · national
199720
✍️
About the Author
J.K. Rowling
United Kingdom
View Author →

J.K. Rowling is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of fantasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about?

Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he will find friendship, adventure, and the first clues about the dark wizard who killed his parents. Rowling's beloved debut launched one of the greatest publishing phenomena of all time.

Who wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was written by J.K. Rowling, from United Kingdom. First published in 1997.

What awards has Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone won?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has received the following awards and honours: BBC Big Read 1997.

Is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone worth reading?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 20/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in magic, friendship, identity.

Where can I buy Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

You can buy Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone from?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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