Free Amazons of Darkover by Marion Zimmer Bradley (1985, Paperback)

I bought this book, off eBay of course, because I ahd read many references to it and the world of Darkover in MZB's Sword & Sorceress book.

In Darkover women are property of thier men and in Dry Towns even go about in chains. They may be of gold and bejeweled, but they are chain none the less. The exception is the Free Amazons. The Renunciates vow to be free of any man and join a Guild house of the Amazons where they take an oath mother and all other Amazons are thier sisters. True to the fantasy of Amazons, they learn to defend themselves, never seeking protection from a man. This set of short stories covers seasoned Amazons and newbies seeking refuge after abuse from men. Some of the Amazons have laran kinda like ESP and healing powers. So, not all Amazons are mercenaries. Some sell thier skills as guides or work in the Guild house as housekeepers. One job prohibited to the Amazons is prostitution. The world of Darkover has been visited by the Terranan's who bring technology to this fantasy world. Most technology is prohibited by the governance of Darkover, but bicycles make a stunning exception. These short stories range from sad to funny. If you like Fantasy and Science Fiction, you'll lover the world of Darkover.