The significance of Tales from Margaritaville and Where Is foe Merchant? is tied directly to Jimmy Buffett's popularity as a musician and his impact on the music industry. The books, written primarily as entertainment for his fans, are full of references to Buffett's lyrics, expanding on characters and themes which originated in his music. Tales from Margaritaville is especially valuable for a serious Buffett aficionado seeking deeper insight into the singer's imagination and life. Students of popular culture will want to note the interplay between Buffett's books, music and the music culture of the last two decades. However, the most fascinating aspect of Buffett's work is his creation of the Margaritaville ambiance which has stimulated the popularity of margaritas, Caribbean music, Key West, and beach-style hedonism.

These works should not be overlooked by those interested in the Caribbean and Gulf Coast regional fiction, as they provide some vivid...