School days have officially returned, and with it, memories of that fabulous piece of pop culture, the lunch box.

The second edition of Allen Woodall and Sean Brickell’s “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Metal Lunch Boxes” stands as a loving tribute to those sturdy metal buddies who accompanied us to the cafeteria every day at lunchtime. The details in Woodall and Brickell’s research come to life in the text, but here, as one might assume, the photos are the stars of the show. Every angle of every item photographed is captured in brilliant color, and you’ll likely find one or two that you just had to have as a child. Woodall should know a thing or two about lunch boxes – after all, the Georgia-based author has even organized a small museum that features his lunch box collection in its entirety.

In addition to the images themselves, you’ll find sections on caring for and cleaning your metal lunch box, as well as a list of manufacturers, samples of advertising and original art. This second edition includes a revised price guide, too. Boxes made in both the U.S. and overseas are covered here.

The book brings to life the heyday of the metal lunch box, from the 1950s through the ‘70s, and is a useful guide for new and seasoned collectors alike. Perhaps just as interesting – the lunch boxes featured in the book show the hottest pop culture trends as they came and went out of the public consciousness throughout the mid-20^th century.

About the author

Allen Woodall has been collecting for over 30 years and lives with his wife Bonnie in Columbus, Georgia. Sean Brickell’s interest in metal lunch boxes started with his Roy Rogers Chow Wagon box. He lives with his wife Bean and two children in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

About the publisher

A family-owned, independent publisher of high-quality nonfiction books since 1974, Schiffer has published thousands of titles on the diverse subjects that fuel our readers’ passion. From our traditional subjects of antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts and military history, Schiffer has expanded its catalog to publish books on contemporary art and artists; architecture and design; food and entertaining; the metaphysical, paranormal and folklore; and pop and fringe culture, as well as books for children.

 Schiffer Publishing is located in Atglen, PA. Website: www.schifferbooks.com.

 Size: 8.5” x 11”, more than 500 photographs, 176 pages, ISBN13: 9780764308949, binding: soft cover, price: $29.95