Abstract: A thin-film perpendicular magnetic recording and reproducing head including a magnetic member defining a return path and having a narrow groove formed in one of its principal surfaces in parallel to a sliding surface adapted to face a magnetic recording medium, a non-magnetic material filling the groove, and a multilayer film assembly formed above the groove and consisting at least of a thin-film conductor coil, an interlayer insulating film, a thick main pole film, a main pole film and a protective film formed one upon another. The magnetic member is connected to the main pole film through a via hole portion, and is exposed on the sliding surface in the vicinity of the main pole film so as to face the recording medium. A thin magnetic film serving as a magnetic shield covers the protective film and the sidewall surface of the head and is joined to the sidewall surface of the magnetic member.