What author coined the phrase concrete jungle?

The phrase "concrete jungle" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and there isn't a single author credited with coining it. It was likely a common slang term that emerged organically in urban environments.

However, there are a few notable instances where the phrase appears in early literature:

* 1923: In the play "The Firebrand" by Edwin Justus Mayer, a character uses the phrase "A concrete jungle, I call it."

* 1927: In the novel "Manhattan Transfer" by John Dos Passos, the phrase "concrete jungle" is used to describe the city.

* 1930s: The phrase was also used in popular songs and newspapers during the Great Depression.

Therefore, while a definitive origin remains elusive, "concrete jungle" likely emerged from the collective consciousness of urban dwellers during a period of rapid urbanization and societal change.