The Beginning's of Literary Study - For Dummies J A Modified Version of R. L. McGuire's Passionate Attention: an introduction to literary study. Authors basic assumption of a book- the reading and the study of literature cannot and do not take place outside the context of human values. One's unique personal experiences are from whence their values are formed. These values come to light as a reader reads or a writer writes. Literature is a record of specific personal perceptions: H. Read-"the outer image of inward things". Literature proves the richness not the limitations of being human. Literary criticism is discernment-the ability