The article is part of the special issue of the journal on Charles P. Kindleberger (CPK). By reviewing CPK's works the authors investigates the contributions by Kindleberger not mainly as a historian but as an economist. Kindleberger's theory of financial crises is reconstructed, drawing from the authors work in the field of economic history and history of economics. A typical structure of financial crises in seven stages is developed, and policy implications are drawn. The author presents his conclusions especially in terms of regulation of the banking and financial system.