Abstract: In one embodiment, a thin-film magnetic head with a write head has a lower core member made of a soft magnetic film, a planar upper core member made of a soft magnetic film, and a coil conductor positioned between the lower and upper core members. The rear end is equipped with a magnetic body, which at least magnetically joins the lower and upper core members. A magnetic pole piece is in contact with the lower core member and positioned toward an air bearing surface, which faces a recording medium. A first nonmagnetic film is provided between a pedestal magnetic pole piece and upper core member. The write head is structured so that the first nonmagnetic film constitutes a write gap. A second nonmagnetic film is provided above or below the first nonmagnetic film. The edge of the second nonmagnetic film is retracted from the air bearing surface. The upper core member's flare point is positioned toward the air bearing surface rather than the edge of the second nonmagnetic film.