Background: William Moore's 1899 seminal book on Plastic Surgery, predating Harold Gillies' "Plastic Surgery of the Face," was serialised in the Intercolonial Journal of Australasia before Australia's federation and published as a textbook in 1899. It presented a detailed exposition of reconstructive surgery principles and procedures prior to Gillies' work. Yet his contributions have not been recognised. Methods: An analysis of Moore's textbook reveals historical surgical techniques, particularly skin grafting methods by Wolfe and Thiersch, local and distant flap procedures, and their specific applications in surgery. Emphasis was placed on the surgical decision-making process, including the selection of flap types based on the intricacy of conditions treated. Results: Moore's approach detailed the meticulous planning of incisions, the precision of suture techniques, and innovative strategies like the 'deltoid flap' for axillary burn contractures. His work provided a procedural guide for complex surgeries, such as the Tagliacotian arm flap, and included honest reflections on the challenges faced, including flap failure and surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Moore's textbook stands as an important precursor to modern plastic surgery literature, offering comprehensive guidance on various reconstructive techniques. His candid narrative, coupled with rigorous methodology, not only guided the practices of his time but also laid a foundational understanding that informed future surgical advancements, including those by Gillies. His work underscores the evolution of plastic surgery as a distinct medical discipline at the turn of the 20th century. Ref-Moore W. Plastic surgery : with illustrative cases. Melbourne:Stillwell Printers; 1899.