> Shackleton tried and failed to reach south pole but there are more books and articles on his failed expedition than the guy who actually succeeded

If you bothered to read about Shackleton's "failures", you will fully understand just why so much has been written about him.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton

The Trans-Antarctic Expedition, the loss of Endurance and the subsequent 800 mile journey in an open boat (in Antarctic waters!) to rescue his crew is the stuff of legend. A true hero and an inspiration.