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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Crown Group, Inc. and subsidiaries on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-59519, 33-59527
and 333-38475) of our report dated August 1, 1998, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Crown
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1998 and 1997, and for the years
ended April 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, which report is incorporated by reference
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



                                                      PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Dallas, Texas                                         
August 12, 1998