[1] He was born on 10 October 1729 in Stirling, the son of Rev Charles Moore of Rowallan (d,1735) and his wife, Marion Anderson.

His Journal during a Residence in France (1793) is the careful record of an eye-witness, and was frequently referred to by Thomas Carlyle.

[4] His novel Zeluco (1789), a close analysis of the motives of a selfish profligate, produced an impression at the time.

Moore's other works include sketches of society and manners in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and England[2] (A View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland and Germany, London, W. Strahan & T. Cadell, in the Strand, 1779, 2 vol.

; A View of Society and Manners in Italy, with anecdotes related to some eminent characters, London, W. Strahan & T. Cadell, 1781, 2 vol.)

It took the form of 34 character sketches of politicians, royalty, generals, the wealthy, and the celebrity of the day.