Why Shakesphere?

What do you think is the significance of Popé giving Linda (and eventually John) The Complete Works of William Shakesphere, rather than another emotional book/collection of books? Why does Popé even have that?

This is a good question. I think it ties into Chapter 3 when the Controller alludes to Shakespeare:

"There were some things called the pyramids, for example. And a man called Shakespeare. You've never heard of them, of course." (page 46 in my copy).

I think the inclusion of Shakespeare has not so much to do with the literal sense in the fact that Popé has the book, but more to do with the symbolic value that Shakespeare himself has. William Shakespeare is widely considered to be one of, if not the best playwright of all time. To have a collection of the works of an individual held in such high regard seems to imply something of John's intelligence and importance.

I don't disagree, Jason. I think it noteworthy as well the commentary the Shakespearean reference has on the contemporary situation/context in the book.