EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our reports dated
January 28, 1993 included or incorporated by reference in R.R. Donnelley & Sons
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 and to all references
to our firm included in this Registration Statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen & Co.
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Arthur Andersen & Co.
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 24, 1994