In April, 1940, Norwegian politician Vidkun J. Quisling became the first politician in history to use the radio airwaves to announce a coup d'etat, declaring the formation of an ad-hoc government during the confusion brought on by the Nazi invasion of Norway. Quisling hoped his action would result in Nazi recognition of Quisling as head of state. Instead, his treasonous action earned him a different kind of recognition. Today, the name "Quisling" stands beside that of Benedict Arnold as a synonym for "traitor." Quisling's treacherous efforts to use his country's peril to advance his own personal political fortunes also earned...