Tender Offer Extension

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
2 April 2001


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

               Reed Elsevier Inc extends Harcourt tender offer

NEW YORK (April 2, 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, April 4, 2001 until 12:00 midnight, New York City time on Friday,
May 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 March 30, 2001,
approximately 24,525,765 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc. and
approximately 526,228 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validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.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].