 It took Hawkins 16 years to write "A General History of the Science and Practice of Music" which was published in 1776.Although this publication was somewhat respected, it soon was overshadowed, with the help of the likes such as Dr Callcott who composed a mocking song against Hawkins, by Charles Burney's "General History of Music" (1776–89).However, in years to come Hawkins's music history was considered to be superior to Burney's music history (compare the 1875 edition of Hawkins's work).