The Winter 1972 issue of Ploughshares, guest-edited by James Randall. Ploughshares, a journal of new writing, is guest-edited serially by prominent writers who explore different personal visions, aesthetics, and literary circles.

Ploughshares' third issue features work from acclaimed authors Charles Wright (Black Zodiac), Joyce Peseroff (Eastern Mountain Time), William Styron (Sophie's Choice), Sam Cornish (Dead Beats), founder DeWitt Henry, and many others who would continue to have relationships with the magazine over the years, along with an interview with Richard Yates (Revolutionary Road). Guest editor James Randall, founder of Emerson College's writing program and mentor to successful young poets like Thomas Lux, brought both old and new voices into this powerful early edition of Ploughshares.