Which of the following is the first published novel in the Harry Potter fantasy series by J K Rowling?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding the order of books in very popular series is a common theme in general knowledge and entertainment related questions. The Harry Potter series contains seven main novels, and many questions ask which one came first. Knowing the sequence helps not only for trivia but also for understanding how the story and characters develop across the series.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the first published novel in the Harry Potter series.
• Four options list well known titles from the series.
• All options are actual Harry Potter books.
• We assume the standard publication order accepted worldwide.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is simple recognition of chronological order. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone introduced the characters, Hogwarts and the magical world. Subsequent books continue the story as Harry grows older. The key approach is to recall that the story begins with Harry discovering he is a wizard and entering Hogwarts for the first time, which happens in the first book, Philosophers Stone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the main novels mentally in order. The usual sequence starts with Philosophers Stone, then Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire. Step 2: Recognise that Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is where Harry first learns about the wizarding world and joins Hogwarts. Step 3: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets continues his second year at school, so it cannot be the first. Step 4: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire correspond to later school years and therefore come after the first two books. Step 5: Therefore, the earliest published and first in story order is Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check with any library catalogue or official series listing confirms the publication order. The year of release for Philosophers Stone is earlier than the others, and it is always listed as book one in the series by the publisher. Book sellers also identify it as the starting point for new readers, which gives additional confirmation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: This is the second novel in the series and cannot be the first by publication or story order.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: This is the fourth book, set during a later year of Harry education at Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: This is the third novel and introduces characters such as Sirius Black, after events of the first two books.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse the order of the middle books because they were all released within a few years and often discussed together. Some also mix book and film release sequences. A simple way to avoid this problem is to memorise the first book clearly as Philosophers Stone and remember that each later title represents the next school year in sequence.

Final Answer:
The first novel in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.