- Narrated by: Stephen Fry
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- 4.9 out of 5 stars (1,570 ratings)
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Publisher's Summary
"Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling, Harry saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake surrounding a large letter 'H'."
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
Having now become classics of our time, the Harry Potter audiobooks never fail to bring comfort and escapism to listeners of all ages. With its message of hope, belonging and the enduring power of truth and love, the story of the Boy Who Lived continues to delight generations of new listeners.
Theme music composed by James Hannigan.
©1997 J.K. Rowling (P)2015 J.K. Rowling
Critic Reviews
"A marriage made in heaven, Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter." (The Times)
What listeners say about Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1
Average Customer Ratings
Overall
- 5 out of 5 stars
- 5 Stars 1,433
- 4 Stars 113
- 3 Stars 12
- 2 Stars 4
- 1 Stars 8
Performance
- 5 out of 5 stars
- 5 Stars 1,182
- 4 Stars 106
- 3 Stars 16
- 2 Stars 4
- 1 Stars 5
Story
- 5 out of 5 stars
- 5 Stars 1,208
- 4 Stars 89
- 3 Stars 7
- 2 Stars 2
- 1 Stars 4
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
- Joanne Ahmed
- 01-01-19
Amazing story
It has adventure, excitement, magic, imagination and a lot of morals. Truly great!! Love it
14 people found this helpful
- sa3rao
- 20-04-19
Brilliant experience
An excellent rendition in the audiobook format of a nice book. Thoroughly enjoyable and an immersive experience
6 people found this helpful
- ANIRUDDHA
- 04-09-19
Amazing Story, re-lived..!
Harry Potter is my favourite fantasy story, all thanks to J K Rowling for writing such a wonderful and amazing fantasy world which if anyone starts reading feel themself a part of it. I have nothing more to say about JK Rowling which haven't been said before, she is an amazing and remarkable writer..
But I have something to say about Stephen Fry, sir hat's off to you. The way you have narrated this book, I re-lived this journey of Harry to hogwarts for the 1st time again. The way you distinguished each character with different voices was mind blowing, it kept me listening to this audiobook for hours(exactly in 3 go I finished the whole book :-)). So I want to give Stephen special credit for making my 1st audiobook experience out of the world.
5 people found this helpful
- Bhaskar
- 11-07-19
Fell in love all over again
Wonderful narration by Stephen Fry, loved the overall experience.
would definitely recommend it if you are a harry potter fan and never read the books before.
4 people found this helpful
- Mithil
- 05-12-18
my first book
narrator made the experience a one time thing. thank you, it will remain the only thing I care about forever
4 people found this helpful
- XoXo
- 11-05-19
In love with Potter!
What a beautifully written story, with such vivid imagery that you can practically see the scenes.
Everyone should read this book...if you wanna get lost in the magical
world.
3 people found this helpful
- Vinayak Mehrotra
- 04-04-20
Petrificus Totalis -- to the movie
Movie will look dim if one reads the book first. I wish I had. Anyways, one gone many more to come. So excited. Excellent narration.
2 people found this helpful
- Dr. Mayank Pratap Singh
- 20-08-19
absolute delight
loved it, a dream come true for potterheads , narration is captivating, the books were already so much fun, these audiobooks made them even more fascinating...
2 people found this helpful
- Namrata Singh
- 13-08-19
Dreamy!!
I loved it.
The narrator has done complete justice to the book.
It's way better than the movie.
2 people found this helpful
- Amazon Customer
- 06-04-20
Voices for hermione and voldemort
Both voices could have been done in a better manner. As they are the two most important characters in the book.
Also, Ron and Dumbledore voice was perfect.
1 person found this helpful
- Marek
- 25-12-15
Magical!
I've never got to the Harry Potter books. I love the movies and the games, however I have never actually read the books. Therefore, I decided, that my first audiobook from Audible will be Phillosopher's Stone. It was captivating from start to finish, making my eyes literally water with some kind of nostalgia at some places. I don't think anyone else would have narrated it better than Stephen Fry. His amazing voice brings every character to life and creates an exquisite atmosphere throughout the whole story. Now I can't wait to buy the rest of the HP audiobooks!
42 people found this helpful
- Gvido
- 03-02-16
At last!!!
I was waiting for this for some time – and it was worth the waiting time!!! Wow!!! Stephen Fry lifts J.K.Rowlings fantastic Harry Potter to another dimension!!! Wow again!
19 people found this helpful
- graham Rowan
- 22-03-16
The Harry Potter Series
Would you listen to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 again? Why?
I would listen to this book again in fact I would listen to any of the Potter books again because I can always learn something different every time I read them.
What other book might you compare Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 to and why?
Harry Potter has ideas expressed in other books but this is something different. I can relate to this world in many ways an orphan not loved by his guardians not told anything about where he comes from hears it from a completed e stranger goes to a magical school discovers his enemy is not actually d
Which scene was your favorite?
My favorite scene is when Hagrid gives Dudly a pig tail it is just so funny.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The moment which moves me is when Dumbledore says this. To the well organized mind, death is just another adventure.
Any additional comments?
Don't try to compare Stephen Fry's readings with Jim Dale there are 2 different styles both of which blend themselves with the uniqueness of this series.
9 people found this helpful
- Tacianna Ferraz
- 02-12-19
Easy to hear
The story we all love, on an amazing performance! Much better than the movies. Stephen Fry was perfect
6 people found this helpful
- Blaise
- 27-02-19
great narrator, whispering noisy audio compression
The narrator and the story are great, but...
I bought the original audio cd and audible version, too. Audible's voice has a small whispering background noise, the cd version is much more cleaner.
I tested a one minute long track on cd and the mp3 compressed version is perfectly clear with my phone, better than this audiobook.
Dear Audible, please use a better quality of audio compression, this is one of my favourite book.
I know you can do it because your other books are more cleaner than this one.
Thank you
4 people found this helpful
- Dresas
- 08-03-16
Magic
It took me a long time to start to read Harry Potter. I have no regrets.
4 people found this helpful
- Anonymous User
- 13-05-18
Bad bad bad
I love the Harry Potter books, but I was unable to listen to any. I contacted audible and they couldn’t offer help. This was terrible as I couldn’t even click on it.
2 people found this helpful
- Cliente de Amazon
- 16-10-16
Amazed
I have never read the book, now questions of time and then interest. My young self thought that the movies were enough but when I grew up I realize that I was missing something.
Thank you for showing me what I was missing in the stories that I loved as movies.
2 people found this helpful
- Julian
- 21-12-16
great fan<br />
i love this book. great story greatly told. i am looking forward to hear the other books as well
1 person found this helpful
- Norine
- 18-12-16
Whimsical & Enchanting
As I was listening to Stephen Fry's narration, I was also reading the book. Mr. Fry helped the story leap of the pages and brought all the characters to live. He turned a pleasant experience into a a truly marvelous one.
1 person found this helpful
- Simon
- 20-11-15
Perfectly Fryed Potter
If ever a series didn't need introducing it has to be J.K. Rowling's stunning Harry Potter! As soon as I saw this was available the only question on my mind was whether or not the narrator would do it justice. This is a big pair of reading glasses to fill!
Well, they only went and got Stephen Fry! He is superb! His voice fits Rowling's work to a tee and the story unfolds through his quintessential English being delivered with huge aplomb. Of course we do all know that this series grew in stature and maturity with its audience. There are tougher, longer books ahead of this one that have more of a cutting edge to them. So can he keep it up? Well based on this first volume there is little doubt in my mind that he will!
Potter fans can rest assured that this audiobook does Rowling's work full justice!
See you in Hogwarts!
196 people found this helpful
- Cyberspark13
- 25-11-15
Fry gives magical performance.
Mr Fry does a superb reading of this enjoyable book. Really brought the books back to life for me.
72 people found this helpful
- joanne
- 17-12-15
love it
I will always love harry potter, no matter how old I am. Stephen Fry was lovely to listen to and I felt like he really put his love into performing this.
68 people found this helpful
- Amazon Customer
- 23-01-19
Sells its self as always
I've been a fan of Harry Potter for 20yrs and have read the books a couple of times, I originally downloaded this audio book from Pottermore because Audible didn't have the rights to sell them. I've bought them now through audible as they are alot easier to listen to, then trying to download mp3 files and stream to suitable devices.
This is now my second listen, having not listened to the book for a few years now. So much I've forgotten because the films just don't have enough detail. Stephen Fry is the only voice to me that can deliver the books in the series. He characterises each person individually and you have no doubt who is who, even if you pause the book and come back several days later.
I adore these books and will continue to listen to them for many years to come.
61 people found this helpful
- Mikey
- 17-01-16
Great job by narrator
Any additional comments?
What a fantastic rendition to arguably one of the greatest fictional series of all time. Stephen Fry does a marvellous job; with fantastic switching between characters and dialogue to some pretty impressive impersonations. Narrating the Harry Potter series is no mean feat, something even Fry should be proud of achieving in his career.
I won't waste your time telling you this is an enchanted tale about a young wizard who goes to Hogwarts school to learn magic. All I will say is this: Stephen Fry and audible have done Rowling proud with a superb telling of a superb story. I'm off to listen to Chamber of Secrets now. Enjoy!
48 people found this helpful
- Ruth
- 20-11-15
yay
Finally the reason why wanted audible is now here. This is great. Can't wait to get stuck in
40 people found this helpful
- nick
- 18-07-17
My first introduction to Potter
Would you consider the audio edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 to be better than the print version?
I haven't read the printed version but would imagine that Stephen Fry's magical narration adds to the story.
What other book might you compare Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 to, and why?
The Hobbit - as it's an introduction to a different world of alternative mythical creatures.
Which character – as performed by Stephen Fry – was your favourite?
Hermione - as he added a humorous twist to her fairly stoic character.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
I think that's already been somewhat covered.
Any additional comments?
N/A
31 people found this helpful
- tootelm
- 24-11-15
Thank goodness
Iv been waiting for ages for Harry potter to become available. I love the way Steven Fry reads it x
30 people found this helpful
- Benjy1702
- 22-11-15
Amazing
What made the experience of listening to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Book 1 the most enjoyable?
So happy i can finally listen to this on audible. Had these on cassette years ago and loved every second of them. Stephen Fry is the most amazing narrator and could not have done a better performance. So happy.
28 people found this helpful
- GailCleaver
- 20-11-15
Finally!
The wonderful narration of these books by Stephen Fry, the reason why I have this app! At long last.
26 people found this helpful
- John
- 19-09-16
Stephen Fry was brilliant
A fantastic book narrated brilliantly by Stephen Fry. As someone who had seen the movie but was never able to read past the first chapter or two of the book, finding it dull compared to the action of the movie. This audiobook was absolutely perfect, helped very much by Stephen Frys narration (I especially liked his Hagrid voice). I couldn't stop listening and can now say without a doubt that the book is better than the movie.
51 people found this helpful
- MARIA COUTAS
- 13-10-16
Revisiting an old friend
Sometimes, you just need a little make believe to get you through reality 😊. Loved coming back to this story and Stephen Fry is so easy to listen to. Makes the characters come alive.
25 people found this helpful
- Oscar
- 28-12-15
Yass
This was amazing!!!
A. The book is amazing
B. Stephen Fry is a perfect narrator!
You must listen to this even if you're not a big fan of Harry Potter.
21 people found this helpful
- Deborah
- 03-12-15
Wonderful
An expressive and animated performance of a classic story. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The characters were brought to life by Stephen Fry well worth a listen.
19 people found this helpful
- Amelia
- 08-03-17
Excellent all around
Best story ever, read by a great narrator. The only sad point is that the series doesn't go on forever.
16 people found this helpful
- Shadow
- 03-02-17
Enchanting
Had never read a book or watched a movie - then I fell in love.
14 people found this helpful
- Hannah
- 19-01-17
A must listen
Growing up, I would stand in line waiting for each new Harry Potter book to be released.
The books captured my imagination and allowed me to escape into another world.
Now, having seen the movies & re-read the books many times, it's magical to listen to Stephen Fry read the stories out loud.
A must download
14 people found this helpful
- Olivia
- 02-01-16
The Beginning Is The Most Magical
I couldn't put the book down! Listening along with Audible made it so much easier for me to concentrate! Can't wait to read the next one!
7 people found this helpful
- Satheesh
- 04-02-17
Stephen Fry has done it!!
In my opinion, Stephen Fry is the best narrator ever. His voice acting was marvellous and helped build scenes and characters in my mind very vividly.
Once you start it, its very hard to put it down. Its addictive!! I might listen to it again once i get thru the series.
I am on to the next book now.
6 people found this helpful
- Renae
- 19-08-18
Amazing book brought to life by Fry
First there was the book, then the movie and then Fry. Stephen Fry's telling of the Harry Potter books is absolutely magical!
4 people found this helpful