I've just finished reading Louis Rudd's Endurance. It's a terrific read. It starts with his joining the Commandos at 16 years old; his army career; then his trips to Antarctica as the leader of a team, and ends with his solo unsupported crossing of over 900 miles in 54 days, entirely independently, carrying/pulling all his own food a load of 130 kilos. If you've ever had awful days walking due to the weather this will put any of your trials and tribulations into perspective. You can get a feel for it by trying a tractor tyre pull! - not that I'll be doing it.
My interest in Antarctica started with reading Roland Huntford's account of Scott and Amundsen's trek. Shackelton's South is another excellent read.
Dave