The literary blogosphere hummed with rumors all afternoon that someone had stolen Jonathan Franzen‘s glasses at a UK book party and left behind a ransom note.

After a flurry of Twitter posts, GQ had the first eyewitness account: “What happened next was more bizarre – a number of uninvited guests stormed the Pavillion, stole Franzen’s glasses from his face and left a ransom note. The police were called and were interviewing people outside. The note, seen by GQ, said the following:’$100,000 Your glasses are yours again!’ accompanied by a Hotmail email address. Franzen apparently has minus-eight vision so GQ can only suggest someone convert the ransom note to braille.”

You can follow all the excitement at the Twitter hashtag “Glassesgate.” Publishers Weekly has a great round up of the first flurry of Twitter reports.  We’ll keep you posted as the story develops.  Above, we’ve embedded a video of Franzen and his glasses in happier times. (Via Sarah Weinman)