Overall, as a beginner, I enjoyed this book and appreciated a lot of his explanations and directions. I found his explanation of the math/calculation portion a little confusing, however. His step by step soap making was nice. I wish he would have explained different methods of coloring soap a little more. I am interested in making herbal soaps as natural as possible, and this book has helped me to get a basic idea. He goes over melt and pour in a brief overview, and I was glad he didn't spend too much time on it. He teaches the cold process method. I plan to find books that teach hot process next. This book is recommended for beginners.

I am a veteran soapmaker and really enjoyed this book.

I had to have a friend who is very good with math teach me how to figure INS values. (Math major I am not.) If you like math and are very scientific about soap you'll like them. I am sure INS values would gaurd you from making a bad batch, but it boggled me a bit.
I am a hot process soaper and this book was not helpful for perfecting hot process. The recipes are well balanced and you won't go wrong there, but I am going to buy the soapmaker's companion next. (I have Milk-Based soaps also.)

I just don't think any one book will give you it all. Soap making methods are very personal and I suggest you buy several books and take what you like from them and leave the rest.
Soap making is after all very personal and Dr. Bob has given a good take on his personal niche with soap. With some exploration each soaper can find theirs.

I have an estensive collection of books on soapmaking, but this is still the one I turn to when I have a problem or when I am looking for a new idea. I have taught classes in soapmaking and recommend this book to all taking the classes.
It is great for beginners but still has enough technical information for those expanding into their own business.
Great real-world photos, too--not some professional photographer's idea of what soap should look like.

Not great for a beginning soap maker, but exellent for someone who has a few months, or at least 8-10 soap making experiences under their belt. Some of the things Dr Bob discusses, a new soapmaker would not know. After I made around 10 to 15 different soaps, I went back and looked at the book. Then, I knew things he mentioned, and found it easier to follow. At that point, I found it wonderful.

His information on soap ingredients is pretty good, even for a novice. Any soap maker, regardless of their level, would benefit from this section.

In all, I highly recommend it.