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Revered by his peers--Bono described his voice as "holy"--and idolized by his fans, Ian Curtis left behind a legacy rich in artistic genius. He was a mesmerizing performer on stange, yet also introverted and prone to mode swings. Engimantic to the last, Ian Curtis died by his own hand on 18 May 1980.
Touching from a Distance describes Curtis's life from his early teenage years to his premature death on the eve of Joy Division's first American tour. It tells how, with a wife, child and impending international fame, he was seduced by the glory of an early grave. What were the reasons for his fascination with death? Were his dark, brooding lyrics an artistic exorcism? In Touching from a Distance Curtis's widow, Deborah, explains the drama of his life and the tragedy of his death.
Includes discography, gig list and a full set of Curtis's lyrics, some of which appear in print for the first time.
Anonymous
Posted November 20, 2004
I had bought this book in the hopes of learning what was behind the dark lyrics of Ian Curtis. I can¿t say I really learned very much (I had already come to many of the conclusions the book reinforced). What I did learn, Ian Curtis seemed to be a man suffering from some sort of depression, and perhaps he was bi-polar; which would account for his erratic behavior. Most people who have looked into Joy Division history know he also suffered from epilepsy and marriage difficulties. Whether any of these created his ideal escapism, is for the reader to decide. Though, it is evident what Deborah and many of those who thought they knew him believe were the reasons. (I'm not going to give my opinion on this, because if you want to read it, I will be ruining the fundamentals of this book). Although the book delves into his early childhood and focuses mostly on his early teens up to premature death; the earliest years in which Deborah Curtis remembers him would have to be the most enlightening part of this book. It¿s a wonderful read. Deborah Curtis paints a picture of a man who was a pleasant, charitable, charismatic Jeckyl; and simultaneously a chauvinist, introverted, death instinctual (Thanatos, regularly called in psychiatrics) Hyde. What I came away with, was a better understanding of how the music business treats women, though, I find it not very surprising. I also learned the turmoil and love that coupled with knowing Ian Curtis. I commend Deborah Curtis for this book highly. She depicts Ian objectively and yet because she was his wife, with compassion. She doesn¿t try to smooth over any sharp edges. For anyone who wishes to gain some insight on Ian Curtis, Joy Division, living with a type of epileptic, and what it is like to be on the other side of suicide. Elinore Arcane
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Posted July 27, 2004
this is the greatest bio on a rock star i ever read ian curtis was a man that could no longer deal with his fame so he did what he felt was best for him. this shows the price of fame and the price of having to much to soon.
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Overview
The only in-depth biographical account of the lead singer of Joy Division, written by his widow.
Revered by his peers--Bono described his voice as "holy"--and idolized by his fans, Ian Curtis left behind a legacy rich in artistic genius. He was a mesmerizing performer on stange, yet also introverted and prone to mode swings. Engimantic to the last, Ian Curtis died by his own hand on 18 May 1980.
Touching from a Distance describes Curtis's life...