Harcourt Tender Offer

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
18 June 2001



        Issued on behalf of Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV

               Reed Elsevier Inc. extends Harcourt tender offer


NEW YORK (June 18, 2001) Reed Elsevier Inc. ('Reed Elsevier') today announced
an extension of the expiration date of its tender offer for all outstanding
shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and all outstanding shares
of series A cumulative convertible stock, par value $1.00 per share, of
Harcourt General, Inc. (NYSE: H) from 12:00 midnight, New York City time on
Monday, June 18, 2001 until 8:00 p.m., New York City time on Wednesday, June
27, 2001.


The offer is being extended to accommodate the continuing regulatory review
process.  Reed Elsevier may further extend the offer in due course.


Reed Elsevier has been advised by Citibank, N.A., the Depositary for the
tender offer, that as of the close of business on June 15, 2001, approximately
23,715,530 shares of common stock and approximately 550,482 shares of series A
cumulative convertible stock of Harcourt had been validly tendered and not
withdrawn pursuant to the offer.


For further information, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the
Information Agent for the tender offer, at [phone].