Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1): Adult Edition: Amazon.co.uk: Rowling, J.K.: 9780747542988: Books

When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he's the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord's curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Escaping his hideous Muggle guardians for Hogwarts, a wizarding school brimming with ghosts and enchantments, Harry stumbles upon a sinister adventure when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers which could be valuable, dangerous, or both.

Product description

Amazon Review

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in JK Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig ... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin Snelson, Amazon.com

Review

'Funny, imaginative, magical Rowling has woken up a whole generation to reading. In the 2020s, thirty-something book-lovers will know each other by smug references to Diagon Alley and Quidditch' The Times 'And you thought wizardry was for children. Harry Potter will make you think again. He casts his spells on grown-ups too' James Naughtie

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 11 Sept. 1998
Edition ‏ : ‎ Adult ed
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0747542988
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0747542988
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 189 g
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6+ years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.82 x 2.82 cm
Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Harry Potter
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6
Best Sellers Rank: 2,670,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 95 in Fantasy for Children
- 381 in Literature & Fiction for Children (Books)
- 117,252 in Fantasy (Books)
Customer reviews:
32,210 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

J.K. Rowling
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular, era-defining Harry Potter book series, as well as several stand-alone novels for adults and children, and a bestselling crime fiction series written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.
The Harry Potter books have now sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been translated into 85 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. They continue to be discovered and loved by new generations of readers.
Alongside the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling also wrote three short companion volumes for charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in aid of Comic Relief, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in aid of her international children’s charity, Lumos. The companion books and original series are all available as audiobooks.
In 2016, J.K. Rowling collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany to continue Harry’s story in a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened in London, and is now thrilling audiences on four continents. The script book was published to mark the plays opening in 2016 and instantly topped the bestseller lists.
In the same year, she made her debut as a screenwriter with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Inspired by the original companion volume, it was the first in a series of new adventures featuring wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander. The second, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, was released in 2018 and the third, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was released in 2022.
The screenplays were published to coincide with each film’s release: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - The Original Screenplay (2016), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay (2022).
Fans of Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter can find out more at www.wizardingworld.com.
J.K. Rowling’s fairy tale for younger children, The Ickabog, was serialised for free online for children during the Covid-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020 and is now published as a book illustrated by children, with her royalties going to her charitable trust, Volant, to benefit charities helping alleviate social deprivation and assist vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Her latest children’s novel The Christmas Pig, published in 2021, is a standalone adventure story about a boy’s love for his most treasured thing and how far he will go to find it.
J.K. Rowling also writes novels for adults. The Casual Vacancy was published in 2012 and adapted for television in 2015. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, she is the author of the highly acclaimed ‘Strike’ crime series, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. The first of these, The Cuckoo’s Calling, was published to critical acclaim in 2013, at first without its author’s true identity being known. The Silkworm followed in 2014, Career of Evil in 2015, Lethal White in 2018, Troubled Blood in 2020 and The Ink Black Heart in 2022. The series has also been adapted for television by the BBC and HBO.
J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard Commencement speech was published in 2015 as an illustrated book, Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination, sold in aid of Lumos and university-wide financial aid at Harvard.
As well as receiving an OBE and Companion of Honour for services to children’s literature, J.K. Rowling has received many other awards and honours, including France’s Legion d’Honneur, Spain’s Prince of Asturias Award and Denmark’s Hans Christian Andersen Award.
J.K. Rowling supports a number of causes through her charitable trust, Volant. She is also the founder and president of Lumos, an international children’s charity fighting for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.
www.jkrowling.com
Image: Photography Debra Hurford Brown © J.K. Rowling
See more on the author's page
Jim Kay
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
See more on the author's page

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start again

Customer reviews

32,210 global ratings

5 star
92%
4 star
6%
3 star
2%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers find this illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone visually appealing, with beautiful interior illustrations and a vibrant ribbon bookmark. Moreover, the book serves as an excellent gift for young readers, bringing the story to life in a way that appeals to both children and adults. Additionally, customers appreciate that it's easier for younger children to read and makes the experience more enjoyable, while the pictures are based on the book rather than the films.

Select to learn more

Illustrations Beauty Gift value Value for money Story quality Enjoyment Pictures quality Reading ability

635 customers mention ‘Illustrations’620 positive15 negative

Customers like the illustrations in the book.

"Beautifully illustrated, text clear & not too crowded. Perfect for younger readers." Read more

"Beautiful illustrations, timeless story. Lovely hard bound book, feels very premium. Great for reading with the family." Read more

"This book is full of beautiful illustrations by Jim Kay with a high quality print on high quality paper...." Read more

"Nice large book, very well made and beautifully illustrated." Read more

425 customers mention ‘Beauty’423 positive2 negative

Customers find the book visually appealing, particularly praising the beautiful pictures inside, with one customer noting the vibrant ribbon bookmark.

"Beautiful book! I love the Harry Potter books and have read them all many, many times...." Read more

"This is a beautiful book. I have a copy and bought my Harry Potter obsessed neice this for Christmas...." Read more

"...Pros: • Beautiful, high-quality illustrations that enhance the storytelling • A great introduction to the series for children •..." Read more

"...The illustrations are beautiful and as the text is larger and arranged in columns, it makes it easier for a younger child to read...." Read more

248 customers mention ‘Gift value’247 positive1 negative

Customers find this book makes a great gift, particularly for young readers and Harry Potter fans of all ages.

"...Overall, a great buy. A must for any Harry Potter fan." Read more

"...A must have for any Harry Potter fan. The illustrations are amazing and bring the book to life as you read it...." Read more

"...Highly recommended, lovely gift." Read more

"Perfect gift and good value" Read more

200 customers mention ‘Value for money’189 positive11 negative

Customers find the book to be a good value, describing it as a perfect collector's item.

"...Totally worth the money, so pleased with my purchase." Read more

"...A perfect Christmas gift. Thanks to Amazon for a great price and delivery." Read more

"...long-term fan, or new one, this is a great must-buy, definitely worth every penny in comparison to the non-illustrated version." Read more

"...The gift of reading is the best you can give. The book is well worth the money, buy it, you won’t regret it." Read more

122 customers mention ‘Story quality’121 positive1 negative

Customers praise the book's fantastic story by J.K. Rowling, which brings the narrative to life and remains timeless, with many enjoying it as a bedtime read.

"...will always be my comfort , you just get lost in the magic, such a great story and an amazing book." Read more

"...They bring the story to life...." Read more

"...This book is just a wonderful celebration of a very popular (now) classic story and I cannot wait for the rest of the series to be released." Read more

"This edition wIth Kindle Motion brings the story to life. I've watched all the Films however this was the first time I read the book...." Read more

112 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’111 positive1 negative

Customers find this illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone engaging and magical, with every page being a delight. They enjoy reading it with their children, and one customer mentions they love listening to a few pages each night.

"...It is a pleasure to read along with the beautiful, colourful and vivid illustrations. They bring the story to life...." Read more

"...This helps enhance the reading experience of an already fantastic read...." Read more

"...This first one is exciting and involving for them and only occasionally does a word need explaining to them...." Read more

"Bought this as a present for my partner. She's a massive Harry Potter fan and it went down a treat...." Read more

91 customers mention ‘Pictures quality’87 positive4 negative

Customers like the pictures in the book, with one customer noting that they are based on the book rather than the films.

"...(not insulting the artist, the pictures are amazing) it’s just such a great story. What are you waiting for? Read it!" Read more

"Fantastic! Beautiful pictures. My 6 year old loved it! Can't wait for the second one." Read more

"Lovely pictures in a well presented format, brilliant to read to or with your child." Read more

"...Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone, just laid out with beautiful pictures...." Read more

48 customers mention ‘Reading ability’43 positive5 negative

Customers find the book reader-friendly, particularly for younger children, with one customer mentioning they read it over weeks at bedtime.

"wonderful book, big, hard cover,full of pictures, will be easy to read" Read more

"...The Animations and Illustration's are Really Great and does enhance the reading experience. So all in all I am very pleased with my purchase...." Read more

"...My 5yr old grandson loves the illustrations. He is quite good at reading but it is a bit too old for him, but it encourages him to try." Read more

"great listening , Stephen fry at his best" Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from United Kingdom

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Cat
A Magical Edition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a beautiful addition to any collection and makes for a perfect first copy for young readers. The stunning illustrations add an extra layer to this classic childhood favourite, which has already captured the imaginations of millions.

Pros:

• Beautiful, high-quality illustrations that enhance the storytelling
• A great introduction to the series for children
• Durable hardcover with a nice cover and dust jacket
• Perfect for those who struggle with imagining scenes in their head, as the artwork brings the story to life

Cons:

• Quite pricey, making collecting the entire series a more expensive endeavor

Read more

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Loveheart
Truly beautiful book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Every time we went to the library or went to a book store and saw this book, it was so beautiful that my daughters would always stop to look at it, so recently I bought this for my harry potter mad youngest's birthday. It is a gorgeous book- the unabridged original story with detailed illustrations on every page. It's so magical being able to see the characters described in the book really come alive, and in my youngest's opinion, every illustration looks "right" for their descriptions in the book. The illustrations sometimes span one page, two pages, or are just interwoven with the text seamlessly to make for a great reading experience. Since the pages are much bigger and words larger than a traditional novel, it also makes it less daunting and more readable for younger, perhaps more reluctant readers as well. Having read the original un-illustrated version, re-reading this again with the illustrations gives a whole new feeling to the story. Whether your a long-term fan, or new one, this is a great must-buy, definitely worth every penny in comparison to the non-illustrated version.

Read more

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Chris Barrs
Not only incredible as a physical copy but also incredible as a digital copy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2022
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I've been a Harry Potter fan since I was ten years old. I have to admit that I am now thirty-two, I have a big beard, I've played drums in multiple heavy metal bands and I now have three children. So to paint a picture, I'm a bit of a hefty bearded metaller with little mini-me's causing havoc wherever we go but one thing will always stick with me and that is Harry Potter.

It's such an escape. I have the books wherever I am. On my Kindle or on audible. The films I am exactly the same with, I've got then in Google play from the digital codes and also on Amazon Prime. I love the books and I listen/read them about two or three times a year.

The illustrated versions are absolutely next level. There's the fantastic story by JK Rowling that we all so love but accompanied by these illustrations from this wonderful artist and they are beautiful. To elevate them even more is this digital version of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone where the illustrations are animated. An amazing achievement especially as it coincides with the magical concept in the books of moving images.

I highly recommend this book and I am still waiting on a digital copy of the illustrated versions of the rest of them (even though I have them all in hardback). As soon as they are released I am on them like a fly on... Well... You get the idea.

Read more

25 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
peter sutton
Beautifully illustrated, fantastic.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 June 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I bought this for my 30 year old daughter. She’s a Harry Potter nut. She absolutely loved the book. I looked through it with her and the book is stunning. It is beautifully illustrated and the story literally jumps off the page.
The gift of reading is the best you can give.
The book is well worth the money, buy it, you won’t regret it.

Read more

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
jon
Quality
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Excellent book and illustrated well

Read more

Helpful

Report
Mihaela
I love all the work they put into details
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 November 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
The book is simply STUNNING! I love all the work they put into details, and how the illustrations come and complete the story! I can hardly wait for the rest of the series, I will definitely buy them all. The illustrations are rich in detail and plenty in number, so you will not be disappointed.
It is the perfect present for a Harry Potter fan, so if you don't know what to get you dear ones this Christmas, this is THE gift.
The paper is of very high quality, the pictures very clear and vivid, the dust jacket is gorgeous, well bound (with string stitches and glue), all meant to give the feeling of a deluxe book. Pretty heavy, which makes me wonder how heavy will the seventh one be?
My only complaint has got to do with the way they packed it. No protective measures whatsoever. Just a simple cardboard sleeve-like wrapping. As a result, the book came with both the upper corners of the cover bent, and the page corners are also slightly bent. Considering it had a long journey to make (from UK to Romania), I would have thought they would pack it with more attention, to prevent it from transport damages.
I would have liked to receive it in mint condition, but... you can't have everything in life, I guess. Next time I will specifically ask for a more sturdy packaging.

Read more

Mihaela

I love all the work they put into details

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 November 2015
The book is simply STUNNING! I love all the work they put into details, and how the illustrations come and complete the story! I can hardly wait for the rest of the series, I will definitely buy them all. The illustrations are rich in detail and plenty in number, so you will not be disappointed.
It is the perfect present for a Harry Potter fan, so if you don't know what to get you dear ones this Christmas, this is THE gift.
The paper is of very high quality, the pictures very clear and vivid, the dust jacket is gorgeous, well bound (with string stitches and glue), all meant to give the feeling of a deluxe book. Pretty heavy, which makes me wonder how heavy will the seventh one be?
My only complaint has got to do with the way they packed it. No protective measures whatsoever. Just a simple cardboard sleeve-like wrapping. As a result, the book came with both the upper corners of the cover bent, and the page corners are also slightly bent. Considering it had a long journey to make (from UK to Romania), I would have thought they would pack it with more attention, to prevent it from transport damages.
I would have liked to receive it in mint condition, but... you can't have everything in life, I guess. Next time I will specifically ask for a more sturdy packaging.

Images in this review

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
OR
The ideal addition to any home book collection
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 September 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I like this edition. Must have for any Harry Potter fan, or a person who would like to jump in the Harry Potter world. The ideal addition to any home book collection.

Read more

Helpful

Report
Criss
Beautiful books, beautiful illustrations!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is a beautiful book. I have a copy and bought my Harry Potter obsessed neice this for Christmas.
It is a pleasure to read along with the beautiful, colourful and vivid illustrations.
They bring the story to life. I wish that I had had an illustrated copy, when I was a young one reading HP for the first time, it really does bring the magic of Hogwarts and the wizarding world alive as you read.
My neice is 5, I would say it is quite a big book for little hands, but she loves books, which is lovely, we're all big book readers throughout the family so its no wonder the children are too.
But my neice especially, and so she absolutely loved receiving this for Christmas, I think it will be one of those books you have all your life, and I'm looking forward to gifting them all to her for various birthdays and Christmas's.
I have the next few as well and they are truly beautiful. I absolutely treasure them.

Read more

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English

Tyler
Good value
Reviewed in Australia on 21 November 2024
Verified Purchase

Good value, great book with pics

Read more
Report
Jader Barretto de Carvalho
Magia entre as páginas
Reviewed in Brazil on 13 March 2025
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Harry Potter, toda a obra (bem, menos a criança amaldiçoada) é realmente mágica cada vez que eu li, em uma fase diferente da vida senti algo diferente, e sempre muito bom. E a parte do Neville no último capítulo sempre me arrepia.

Read more
Report
Translate review to English
LL
Lovely Illustrations, Great Condition
Reviewed in the United States on 2 October 2025
Verified Purchase
Scored this at a great discounted price for a used book. It looked great in person, you could tell it wasn’t brand new, but there was nothing wrong with it. I took off the illustrated sleeve and found an all-red cover underneath. The illustrations are beautiful and definitely make it more fun to read for a ten-year-old than a version without pictures.

Read more
Report
CW
Best book ever!
Reviewed in the Netherlands on 2 July 2022
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
G: 7 years old: biggest bestest book I've read! Super perfect
A: 7 years old: book is too beautiful and cool. I love it too much!
Dad: nice to read again with cool pictures.

Read more
Report
Alexi Bart
Fantastic book
Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on 30 November 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Everything is beautiful about this book, a great gift for a kid or an adult
Fast delivery

Read more
Report

See more reviews

Image Unavailable

Follow the authors

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1): Adult Edition Paperback – 11 Sept. 1998

Popular titles by this author