He is best known for his series of satirical engravings, known as "moral subjects", which often depicted the vices and follies of 18th-century English society. His most famous works include:
* A Harlot's Progress (1731-1732)
* A Rake's Progress (1733-1735)
* Marriage à-la-Mode (1743-1745)
* Industry and Idleness (1747)
* The Four Stages of Cruelty (1751)
Although he didn't write books, he did create his engravings with textual elements. He would include captions and sometimes short narratives to accompany the visuals, adding to the satirical and moralizing nature of his work.