What is the science of Qira'at (recitations)?

The science of Qira'at (recitations) is a discipline concerned with the differences among reciters and their narrators regarding the words of the Noble Qur'an, the chains of transmission (asanid) of these narrations connecting back to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the manner of performance. Among the well-known books in this science are: "An-Nashr fi al-Qira'at al-Ashr," "Ghaith An-Naf," and "Itḥaf Fuḍalā' al-Bashar."