Harry Update

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
09 February 2004

9 February 2004

                            BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING PLC

                            2004 Harry Potter update
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to be launched in paperback on 10 July

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc announced today this year's launch schedule for new
Harry Potter editions, including the paperback launch of the latest title Harry
Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In all, 15 new editions will now be
launched in 2004 and a new film released.

On 3 May, Bloomsbury will release a celebratory edition of Harry Potter and the
Prisoner of Azkaban, the third book in the series that was originally published
on 8 July 1999 and which precedes the release of the film of Harry Potter and
the Prisoner of Azkaban on 4 June. Also in early May, the Company will re-launch
Harry's first school books comprising a two book pack of Fantastic Beasts and
Where to find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, both by JK Rowling.

The main Harry Potter launch of the year will be the release for the first time
in paperback on 10 July a children's and an adult edition of Harry Potter and
the Order of the Phoenix first published in hardcover on 21 June 2003. This will
be a significant launch and will be supported by a strong marketing programme.

Given the growing and significant adult readership of Harry Potter - 10% of
sales of the latest title launched last year were in the adult hardcover format
- Bloomsbury will re-launch, also on 10 July, in adult paperback covers the
first four Harry Potter titles.  In the Autumn, there will be hardcover editions
of the same look adult jackets and box set editions for collectors.

As indicated in the pre-close statement on 15 January, the Group's results for
the year ended 31 December 2003 are expected to be in line with market
expectations and the Board is confident of sound progress in the current year,
supported by the Harry Potter release schedule.


                                      ENDS


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