The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Metal Lunch Boxes by Allen Woodall, Susan Brickett

Treasure one of the greatest forms of pop art in America--the metal lunch box. This is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and colorful compilation of metal lunch boxes ever published. Memories of childhood buddies carried to school each day are beautifully photographed from every angle to display the front, the back and the bands of every box. With sections on care and cleaning, a list of manufacturers, and color photographs of the over 500 boxes themselves, the authors have created a wonderful guide to an entertaining field in pop culture. The book includes foreign boxes and carry-alls as well as a section on advertising and original art.

Here's a small sampling of some of the characters mentioned:
Music - Beatles, Archies
Cartoons - Jetsons, Underdog, Superman
TV Shows - Star Trek, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars,
Advertising - McDonalds, Frosted Flakes
Baseball, NFL, and much more!

500+ color photos