Hawkesworth was a writer who prospered thanks to his many connections, many of which he breached, however, as a result of his perceived vanity and greed. His first poem, unpublished, was composed in 1738, but his verses printed in GM established his literary reputation. From there he went on to publish several compilations, prose works, and dramatic pieces. His final publication, 'An account,' received a great deal of acrid criticism, which is supposed to have contributed to his death. His most popular literary work was Almoran and Hamet: an Oriental Tale.