By J.K. Rowling
Published in 1998, this was the very first book in the series that would change children's literature forever. The Harry Potter series ignited the roaring popularity of the fantasy genre. Fantasy had been present before (Lord of the Rings, Gulliver's Travels, Narnia series) but not considered a mainstream genre as it is now, thanks to Rowling. Rowling created a world accessible to such a broad audience (children, adults, teenagers, the elderly) with different backgrounds and interests (its been translated into seventy one different languages). The Sorcerer's Stone was the book that first introduced the legendary characters and storyline.
In the United States, the first book can be found with two different covers, the original (the picture on the right) and the limited edition (the left). The original cover possesses gold-embossed lettering (the lettering on each book cover is a different color) signifying the storyline's cornerstone and its initial importance. It is in this book the reader develops a relationship with the characters and begins to "live through" Harry Potter. Harry Potter starts out as an "average" child living in unfortunate circumstances. The arrival of his invitation to Hogwarts changes his life forever. It is at this time he realizes that he is "special" and has an outlet away from his negative circumstances. The people holding him back and putting him down in life "get what they deserve" while he flourishes in a magical, miraculous world of friendship, love, and acceptance.
It is also in The Soercerer's Stone that evil is first introduced to the audience. Many consistent themes in the series begin to emerge. Harry establishes his lifelong friendships and begins his uphill battle against Voldemort. Harry also begins to view adults in a more positive light (Dumbledor and Hagrid especially change Harry's perspective) as a result of the presence of positive role models and "parental figures." The more negative themes (such as evil, death, loss, and torture) begin their emergence but are present in a stronger manner in later books.
The Sorcerer's Stone begins the journey of a lifetime for both the characters in the book and the readers outside. Unfortunately, this book began the many controversies associated with the Harry Potter series as well. However, the amount of sheer obsession and delight outnumbers the negative reactions by far. In fact, some Harry Potter fans consider Rowling's imaginary world a way of life:
Harry Potter Memorabilia (above)
J.K Rowlings website:
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