What is the difference between Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the Sorcerer's Stone?

Answer 1

Hi there

The Philosopher's stone was JK Rowlings original title for book 1. She mentioned that she was forced to change it for the US Edition to Sorcerer's stone, an action I believe she regrets. But sadly she was powerless at that time to stop it.

She was able to retain the Philosopher's stone title for UK edition. The term Philosopher sounded more academic and the word sorcerer sounded more wizardly. It could probably be because of this that the change was made.

The books are the same, the titles differ according to the US or UK edition.
:)

Answer 2

The book was originally released in the UK as 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.' However, the marketing people decided to release it as 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in the US because they believed that American children would find this title more appealing. Aside from the title, the two versions of the book are virtually identical.

Interestingly enough, the Philosopher's Stone actually existed, although it was certainly not magical at all. As legend has it, Nicolas Flamel (who was apparently a real person) created the Philosopher's Stone in the early 1400's, and believed that he could use this stone to turn lead into gold. This legend is what inspired Rowling's original title for the book.

Answer 3

In ancient times philosophers were usually alchemists, and they seemed to be trying to make/ search this one stone which would turn all base metals into gold or as in the book help prepare the elixir of life. The Philosopher's Stone is the correct term and that's how it was released in Europe and that's the name of my copy here in India. But while making the film, Rowling thought that the American could identify better with the idea of a Sorcerer's Stone, because after all that is how Nicholas Flammel is portrayed in the book. And so it could get better and wider acceptance. I don't know if the American print of the book too had the same title as the movie. But whatever works.
There is an old black and white movie of director Satyajit Ray called the Philosopher's Stone (a comedy). If you come across it, you should view it.

Answer 4

The Philosopher's Stone is the title of the British version and the Sorcerer's Stone is the title of the American version. The American editors thought that American children would think that philosopher's were bad since the word is rarely used with magic in America.

Answer 5

In some places around the world it is called Philosopher's Stone. It is the same book with a different name. They call Sorcerers Philosophers in those parts of the world. If you were thinking about buying this book too, it will be no different. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter
Philosopher's Stone - Fullmetal Alchemist


Sorcerer's Stone- Kid Friendly
Philosopher's Stone- Needs hundreds of human lives to make one....


Yeah......

Answer 7

The philosopher's stone was the stone which could turn base metals into gold and give eternal life. There is really no such thing as a "sorceror's stone." The name of the book was changed for Americans because they thought we wouldn't know what a philosopher's stone was, so it wouldn't sell as well here. They were probably right.

Answer 8

the philosophers stone was taken from a alchemy concept
it is said to bring miracles to the most impossible situations
alchemist didnt know that it was modern chemistry they are practicing

the sorcerers stone is fiction

Answer 9

Nothing coz Philosopher and sorcerer is the same

Answer 10

or could it be Europeans can't understand the word Sorcerer? Hmmmm. It seems to me the book is actually *about* sorcerers, so clearly the Philosopher version is the one that had to be changed for some reason. :-)