Abstract: Disclosed are various reverse-mode direct-view liquid crystal displays (LCD) employing a liquid crystal having a characteristic wavelength in the non-visible spectrum, including transmissive mode displays, and methods of fabrication. In accordance with the principles disclosed, a transmitance mode direct-view LCD includes a first linear polarizer, a second linear polarizer, an internal light source and a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) located between the first and second linear polarizers and having a characteristic wavelength to reflect in a non-visible region of light. Portions of the CLC can selectively exhibit a planar state or a focal-conic state, the portions of the CLC in the planar state appearing black, and the portions of the CLC in the focal-conic state appearing white to an observer of the LCD.