Reed Extends Harcourt Offer

Reed International PLC
Elsevier N.V.
4 May 2001


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

               Reed Elsevier Inc. extends Harcourt tender offer

NEW YORK (May 4, 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 Friday, May 4, 2001 until 12:00 midnight, New York City time on Monday,
June 4, 2001.

The offer is being extended to accommodate the continuing regulatory review
processes in the United Kingdom and the United States.  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 May 3, 2001,
approximately 23,791,902 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc.
and approximately 524,700 shares of series A cumulative convertible stock
had been validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.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].