1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT  23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 2-96887, 33-48831 and 33-35810) pertaining to the Stock Option
Plans and Employees' Stock Purchase Plan of Bowne & Co., Inc. and in the related
Prospectuses of our report dated December 13, 1993 on the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Bowne & Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 31, 1993.
 
                                                  ERNST & YOUNG
 
New York, New York
January 25, 1994