This document examines the notion of the "public humanities," the humanities as they exist outside the university. The work seeks to provide an intellectual rationale for the public humanities through a bibliographic essay, reflections on readings, and a bibliography for further reference. In a separate appendix, a sample "User's Guide" attempts to address the question heard from curious audiences at public programs: what are the humanities, anyway? The booklet attempts to capture the complexity and ambiguity of the humanities, identifies reasons why defining the humanities is so difficult, and addresses how it might be possible to talk about the humanities. The ideal outcome of a discussion of the public humanities would be a general realization among people that they have been using the humanities all along and that the humanities can provide the foundation for a thoughtful and informed life. (LBG)