Rating: 
Summary: Very clear and concise w/ good illustrations.
Review: "The Soap Book" is a very easy to read and follow "cook book"including basic and fancy recipes for various types of soap.The author, Sandy Maine, adds very isightful and charming remarks on each recipe so that the soap-maker has a clear idea of what the final product will be like. I very much enjoyed reading this interesting and concise book. It is a must for any soapmakers library.
Rating:
Summary: Soap book - simple herbal recipes
Review: Este es uno de mis libros preferidos, y tengo muchos, tiene una fotos lindas, es claro, simple y preciso, sus recetas son faciles de hacer y economicas, me encanta.
Rating: 
Summary: My Favorite Sandy Maine Book
Review: Filled with luscious photos giving my first glimpse into the world of professional soapmaking. I was ready to graduate from beginning soapmaker when I first got this book. This was the first book that didn't patronize me with pictures of assorted kitchen utensils as soapmaking equipment.I have never made even one of Ms. Maine's recipes in this book, but I loved her ideas for scents and names. I found the courage to make my own recipes (with resources on the internet, mostly.) For the time of it's publication, it was a must have. For now, it could be a wish list book. The photos alone are worth the price, to me. It will never leave my library.
Rating:
Summary: Inspired Scared Novice--But Use Only 1/2 Essential Oils!!!
Review: I bought this book several years ago--and just got around to making soap for Christmas presents this year. This book was inspiring since it was short, simple, straight-forward . . . recipe was same--just different blends of essential oils.
DON'T USE 4 OUNCES OF ESSENTIAL OILS per batch--WAY TOO MUCH: 1) pool of excess essential oils sits on top of soap, 2) soap never hardens up quite right (according to Cavitch's book), 3) Essential oils are EXPENSIVE, 4) Scent is TOO STRONG, 5) Some essential oils (like cinnamon) used in called-for amounts actually too concentrated for skin (read other reviews!)
This book is a great starter for novices if you do the following: 1) cut the recipes by 1/4 to learn on smaller batches since the ingredients can be costly--in case your batch does not turn out during your learning stage; 2) invest in a good digital scale that allows you to "zero out" after adding each successive ingredient to the same container (accurate to 1/4 ounce and much faster--many initial mistakes attributed to measuring errors); 3) buy coconut oil at Walmart (under $3 for 31.5 oz); 4) obtain reasonably priced essential oils via internet at A Garden Eastward (http://addy.com/brinkley/); 5) Buy one of Susan Cavitch's soapmaking books next to learn from your mistakes and/or take your soapmaking to the next level--by then, you'll be motivated to absorb more complex information that seemed overwhelming/initimidating at first--which will make so much more sense once you've made a couple of batches.
Rating: 
Summary: Every soapmaker should have this book in her library.
Review: I highly recommend this book as a good source for the person starting to build a library on soapmaking. It is especially helpful to beginners because of the easy instructions and recipes. Different soaps can be make by altering the oils and botanicals used in the basic recipe. I use it as a reference for soapmaking. I did not know anything about how to change recipes or make larger batches, and that was not what I was looking for. I was looking for a book with simple, easy to follow steps, good pictures and information on where to find products. I got that with Sandy Maine's book.
Rating:
Summary: Easy as Pie
Review: I loved this book I have been agonizing for month's about making soap myself. I have spent a small fortune in specialty shops for these kinds of soaps. After spending hours on the internet and purchasing 3 seperate books I decided to use Sandy Maine's recipe for a first try. I think it's going to be a success!!! Once I gathered up enough courage to use LYE!!(it's not as scary as it sounds) The next hardest part was gathering all the equipment. Most items can bee found at the local Walmart, Pic n Save, even the Thrift store!! That's where I found my postal scale. I like that every basic recipe is the same just the additive's are the only change. I would also recomend "The Complete Soapmaker" by Norma Coony. Excellent picture's!!! Deals mostly with hand milling which semms to require much less essential oil. The oils are not eaten away by the lye solution. Susan Miller Cavitch's book "The Natural Soap Book" is a good reference and full of all kinds of "advanced" information. Not really a beginner book. I would love any input or advise from any one reading this review.
Rating: 
Summary: Only One Recipe
Review: Its the same recipe over and over again. The only change is in the fragrance and additives. Did I use this book no I gave it back to my neighbor. I did a better job finding how to make soap on the internet. Doing a search on soap making.
Rating:
Summary: The Whole Package
Review: Sandy Maine presents the whole package in her luscious soapmaking books, thus I credit her as an important inspiration for my career in bodycare. Maine goes deeper than merely presenting recipes, her books contain gorgeous photographs that are truelly inspirational as well as touching personal narratives. The fact that the recipes are variations on the same base oils makes them economical because you don't need to invest in numerous types of fixed oils to achieve success. You can also feel confident about adding your own unique colorants and other ingredients, thus creating your own recipes. All of her books are eco-friendly and encourage respect and engagement with nature. Sandy Maine is also highly involved in the field of soapmaking. She advises and inspires many soapmakers in various stages of their development. As a soapmaker who has gone from novice to professional I highly recommend Maine's soapmaking books.
Rating:
Summary: The Whole Package
Review: Sandy Maine presents the whole package in her luscious soapmaking books, thus I credit her as an important inspiration for my career in bodycare. Maine goes deeper than merely presenting recipes, her books contain gorgeous photographs that are truelly inspirational as well as touching personal narratives. The fact that the recipes are variations on the same base oils makes them economical because you don't need to invest in numerous types of fixed oils to achieve success. You can also feel confident about adding your own unique colorants and other ingredients, thus creating your own recipes. All of her books are eco-friendly and encourage respect and engagement with nature. Sandy Maine is also highly involved in the field of soapmaking. She advises and inspires many soapmakers in various stages of their development. As a soapmaker who has gone from novice to professional I highly recommend Maine's soapmaking books.
Rating:
Summary: Nice photos, but not great soap
Review: The photos are wonderful. The recipes are only varied according to the eo's that are used. The amounts of eo's would not apply for pure eo's. Soapmakers beware! Start with a small amount of eo, find out how it effects your skin and those using your soap, you can always adjust.
non tallow soap is too soft to make for everyday use. I use my soap for everything, including the laundry. I would not be able to do this with a vegetable soap. Tallow also cuts the cost, and last a lot longer.
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