Tender Offer

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
6 December 2000


          Issued on behalf of Reed International P.LC. and Elsevier NV        
 
                                                                              
               REED ELSEVIER INC EXTENDS HARCOURT TENDER OFFER                


NEW YORK (December 6, 2000) 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 Thursday, December 7, 2000 until 12:00 midnight, New York City
time on Monday, January 8, 2001.

The offer is being extended to accommodate the regulatory review processes and
the offer may be further extended in due course. The transaction is expected
to be completed in the first quarter of 2001, subject to the regulatory
review.

Reed Elsevier has been advised by Citibank, N.A., the Depositary for the
tender offer, that as of the close of business on December 5, 2000,
approximately 2,022,338 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc. and
approximately 17,580 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validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.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].