This is an authorised history of the Anglican Franciscan order, written at a time of growing interest in religious life, both in its traditional and more experimental forms. It celebrates the contribution the Community of St Francis has made to religious life and the mission and ministry of the church since its origins in the early 20th century and offers a significant contribution to the understanding of developing religious life and today's neo-monastic movements. Beginning with the emergence of Anglican Franciscanism in the 19th century, it traces * the establishment of CSF against the backdrop of great tension between Anglo-Catholicism and Anglican Papalism * the development of the community's charism through its work with the poor in London's East End during the Depression and in the aftermath of war * its pioneering leaders and its influence in the women's ordination debate * its contribution to Anglican liturgy, especially through Celebrating Common Prayer * its role in shaping new monastic communities today.