EXHIBIT 5
[REED ELSEVIER LETTERHEAD]
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, Reed Elsevier plc (the "Company") of 25 Victoria Street, London SW1H
0EX, England, hereby authorise Henry Horbaczewski to execute and deliver the
following documents 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.
Executed as a Deed on
behalf of the Company
this 25th day of October 2000
/s/ Mark Armour
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Director
/s/ Les Dixon
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Deputy Secretary
