This is the only in-depth biographical account of the legendary lead singer of Joy Division, written by his widow. Revered by his peers and idolised by his fans, Ian Curtis left behind a legacy rich in artistic genius. But although mesmerising on stage, in his private life he was introverted and had desperate mood swings. In "Touching from a Distance" his widow pieces together why - despite his impending international fame and young family - Curtis took his own life on 18 May 1980. Regarded as the essential book on the essential icon of the post-punk era, "Touching from a Distance" includes a full set of Curtis' lyrics, discography and gig list.

Deborah Woodruff Curtis (born Liverpool, England, 13 December 1956), is the widow of Joy Division vocalist and lyricist Ian Curtis, who committed suicide in 1980. She has one child, Natalie (born 16 April 1979), with her late husband.

In 1996, she published a biography, titled Touching From a Distance, which dealt with the private life she shared with her late husband. Since 1994 she has been working on a film project based on Curtis, titled Control.