EXHIBIT 6
[ELSEVIER NV LETTERHEAD]
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned,
MR. ERIK EKKER for these purposes acting in his capacity as company
secretary and permanent authorised representative for all intents and purposes
('algemeen procuratiehouder') of Elsevier NV, a Dutch Company with limited
liability established in Amsterdam, with offices at Van de Sande
Bakhuyzenstraat 4 (Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce file nr. 33155037),
hereinafter 'the Company';
HEREBY AUTHORISES Mr. Henry Z. Horbaczewski of 48 Thackeray Road,
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, USA, to execute and deliver on behalf of the
Company (i) the Agreement and Plan of Merger among Reed Elsevier Inc., REH
Mergersub Inc. and Harcourt General, Inc., (ii) the Stockholder Agreement among
Reed Elsevier Inc., REH Mergersub Inc. and the Stockholders (as defined
therein) and (iii) any other documents, agreements, certificates or other
instruments as contemplated by the foregoing agreements, all in the broadest
sense and with the power to subdelegate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney on
25 October 2000.
/s/ Erik Ekker
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ERIK EKKER
(Company Secretary)
