Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by JK Rowling

Why’d he go? Some say he died. Codswallop in my opinion...don’t know if he had enough human left in him to die. Some say he’s still out there biding his time.

Can it ever be right? To leave a baby in a blanket on a doorstep? That is what Albus Dumbledore does. Then he leaves to join the others to celebrate. For what happened at Godric’s Hollow was a thing to be celebrated.

For the Dursleys, waking up to discover a baby on their doorstep must be the shock of their lives. For the baby is their nephew. And that side of their family, well, that was all a part of their secret. And what if this child is one of ‘them’.

Harry Potter’s life is not much fun. Living in a broom-cupboard under the stairs at the Dursleys is not the ideal life. Harry Potter does not know what he is. He knows nothing of his parents, what they were, and why there were slain in a curious incident at Godric’s Hollow. And Harry Potter has no way of knowing why he has that scar on his forehead.

Harry Potter has no way of knowing any of these things... he is completely in the dark, until one day, the letters start coming.

A dramatic and entertaining children’s adventure tale which opens the seven-part Harry Potter novel series. The book’s well written narrative and rich dialogue are underpinned by an intelligent and complex plot.

The central theme of the book is that of the fight between good and evil. The theme recurs throughout the series. And even here in the first novel, Harry Potter and his friends must demonstrate enormous courage and intelligence – more so than any adult in their school - in an attempt to safeguard the priceless, invaluable philosopher’s stone.