Maxwell’s bid to delay Harcourt’s plan was denied.

A federal judge in Manhattan denied a request for a temporary restraining order from British press baron Robert Maxwell, who has sought to block the recapitalization plan of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Maxwell’s attorneys had argued that the court should allow holders of Harcourt 6 3/8% convertible debentures more time to decide whether to convert them to common shares. But U.S. District Judge John F. Keenan said he was not persuaded by Maxwell’s argument that the June 8 deadline or conversions was too early. Keenan said a delay would hurt other shareholders.