HARCOURT BRACE &lt;HBJ> CALLS SPECIAL MEETING
  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc said
  it has called a special meeting for July 23 for a vote on an
  increase in authorized common shares to 100 mln from 50 mln, an
  increase in preferred shares to 150 mln from 2,500,000 and a
  provision allowing the payment of preferred dividends in stock
  or property as well as cash.
      The company said June 29 will be the record date for the
  meeting.  Harcourt which is fighting off a takeover bid from
  &lt;British Printing and Communication Corp PLC>, has declared a
  special dividend on common stock of 40 dlrs in cash and 12 pct
  preferred stock with a market value of 10 dlrs per share.
      The special dividend is to be paid July 27.
  

