Illumination system and display including same

An illumination system comprising a light source and a light-guide;

• wherein a first part of the light-guide is defined by a surface for light emission and a back surface generally opposed to the surface for light emission, and a second part of the light-guide is defined by a light receiving surface and a light reflecting surface, the light reflecting surface being for reflecting light entering the second part of the light-guide through the light receiving surface into the first part of the light-guide;
• wherein the first part of the light-guide and the second part of the light-guide define an optically continuous refractive medium;
• wherein the surface for light emission, the light receiving surface, the light reflecting surface and the back surface are non-coincident with one another;
• wherein the light source is disposed adjacent or substantially adjacent to the light receiving surface of the light-guide;
• and
• wherein the light source and the light receiving surface are on the same side of the waveguide as the surface for light emission.