Reed Elsevier extends Tender

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
28 February 2001


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


REED ELSEVIER INC EXTENDS HARCOURT TENDER OFFER

NEW YORK (February 28, 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 Wednesday, February 28, 2001 until 12:00 midnight, New York City
time on Wednesday, April 4, 2001.

The offer is being extended to accommodate the regulatory review processes and
the offer may be further extended 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 February 27, 2001,
approximately 23,313,352 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc. and
approximately 525,346 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validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.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].