Long before it spawned a multi-billion-dollar empire of theme parks and blockbusters, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was just a 1997 book. It would eventually change the way an entire generation read forever.

With over 120 million copies sold worldwide, the novel has cemented its place among historic literary works. The story about a boy under the stairs would go on to rank No. 5 of the best-selling books of all time.

The groundbreaking fantasy epic continues to find fresh audiences. It's staggering; record-breaking sales numbers stand as a powerful testament to its timeless narrative.

Its author, J.K. Rowling, was inspired to write the first in a series of books while sitting on a train. Her official website states, “I was sitting on a delayed train back home from Manchester when suddenly I had the idea of a boy wizard who went to wizarding school. Harry Potter and Hogwarts came out of nowhere in the most physical rush of excitement, and ideas came teeming into my head."

"I simply knew it was something I would love to write, but that day I was pen-less for once in my life, so as I sat there on the train, I had to rely on imagining the details, most of which ended up being in the books."

It took Rowling five years to write the first installment of what would eventually become a seven-book series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; its title was later changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Rowling found an agent a year later, and the book was published on June 26, 1997. Rowling used the initials J.K. at the publisher's request to make the book more appealing to boys. One year later, it was released in the U.S.

That first edition captivated readers worldwide. The series of novels went on to inspire a blockbuster film franchise, theme park attractions, stage productions, and a devoted global fan base. According to Britannica, Rowling's first novel was translated into 60 languages, helping Harry Potter's story reach readers across the globe.

Nearly three decades after the first novel debuted, the adventures of Harry Potter continue to capture the imaginations of new generations of readers around the world. Rowling's magical world remains a cultural phenomenon, proving that the boy who lived still has plenty of magic left to share.